Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez would be the perfect replacement for Paul Pogba if the Frenchman leaves the club.
Pogba has been constantly linked with a move away from United in recent months, and his agent Mino Raiola is seemingly desperate to seal a deal for his client to leave.
If he does go, United will no doubt be keen to find another star to take his place, and Ferdinand clearly thinks Saul – who scored in Atletico’s 1-0 win in their Champions League last 16 first leg win over Liverpool – could be the answer.
Speaking on Instagram Live, Ferdinand said: “I don’t want Pogba to go but if he does go I’d take Saul Niguez all day long. Not like-for-like but still a top player.
“What a player. I’ve been harping on about Saul Niguez for a few years now. I think he’s a major player. Composed, calm, great left foot, lovely conductor, he can score goals, tactically he’s very aware.
“You can see Simeone, he gets his team really well set up and he’s in the middle orchestrating and dictating things.”
It is not clear whether Atletico would consider selling him, especially with his contract not set to expire until 2026, although it is rumoured that he has a release clause of £135m.
