Chelsea have confirmed the deadline day arrival of Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid on loan with an option to buy.
The Spaniard had been attracting interest from Liverpool and Barcelona earlier in the summer, yet the Blues have since added Saul to the squad.
"We have completed the signing of Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan deal with an option for a permanent transfer at the end of the season," a statement read on Chelsea's official website.
"The 26-year-old midfielder has up until now spent his entire club career in Madrid in his native Spain, having begun his youth career at Real Madrid before switching to Atletico, with one loan spell at another capital city club Rayo Vallecano.
"During his time with Atleti, where he has played 447 matches and scored 53 goals, Saul has won the Europa League twice, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish and UEFA Super Cups, and as recently as last season, the league title in his homeland."
On the move to European champions Chelsea, Saul said: "I am very excited to start this new challenge with Chelsea. Blues fans, I am one of you now and I can’t wait to wear the shirt, start training and see all of you. See you soon!"
Only Casemiro (190) has made more tackles than Saul (159) of midfielders since since the start of the 2019/20 La Liga season.
