Fansided

Report: Barcelona have option to buy Saul Niguez

By Marco D'Onofrio

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 27: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid (17) celebrates with Koke of Atletico Madrid and team mates as he scores their first goal during the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Bayern Muenchen at Vincente Calderon on April 27, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 27: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid (17) celebrates with Koke of Atletico Madrid and team mates as he scores their first goal during the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Bayern Muenchen at Vincente Calderon on April 27, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /
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Saul Niguez garnered international headlines with a brilliant goal against Bayern Munich, but it was reported on Thursday that Barcelona have the first option to purchase the talented youngster.

After stealing the show with a massive goal against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday, it was revealed on Thursday by Sport that Barcelona have the first option of refusal to purchase Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez.

The talented 21-year-old has been a sensation this season for Atletico, putting up nine goals and providing four assists in all competitions. The Spanish midfielder has already won a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup with his current club, and could be poised to lift even more trophies this year.

Despite starting his youth career with Real Madrid, it was Barcelona who recognized Saul’s potential. According to Sport, Barcelona included Saul and defender Javi Manquillo as part of the deal that allowed David Villa to join Atletico Madrid in 2013. While Manquillo is now on loan at Marseille, the Blaugrana have the option to match any offer made for either player.

The Spanish outlet also claims that Saul is under contract with Diego Simeone’s side until 2020 but has a buyout clause worth €60 million. Barcelona have not made any declarations about whether they would be interested in actually purchasing the starlet, but after his recent performances, it would be hard to imagine that they wouldn’t be.

Atletico Madrid travels to Germany to take on Bayern Munich in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday May 3rd, at 2:45 p.m. ET.

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