Flamengo Nears Deal for Atlético Madrid’s Saúl Ñíguez to Replace Gerson
Flamengo is on the verge of signing Spanish midfielder Saúl Ñíguez from Atlético de Madrid, according to a report by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The 30-year-old has verbally agreed to a three-year contract with the Brazilian club, stepping in as the direct replacement for Gerson, who was recently transferred to Zenit.
From Turkey to Brazil: Saúl Chooses Flamengo Over Trabzonspor
Ñíguez had been in advanced talks with Turkish club Trabzonspor, but negotiations fell through. Flamengo took advantage of the opening and secured a verbal agreement with the player, who will now prioritize a move to Rio de Janeiro over Turkey.
The deal is said to have required significant effort from Flamengo’s football director José Boto, who convinced the Spanish veteran to make the switch to South America. Saúl currently has a contract with Atlético Madrid until June 2026, but a move appears imminent.
Experience for the Midfield: A Replacement for Gerson
Flamengo’s move for Saúl Ñíguez aims to fill the midfield void left by Gerson, a fan favorite recently sold to Zenit Saint Petersburg. With Filipe Luís now managing the team, Flamengo sees Saúl as a stabilizing presence in the middle of the pitch, expected to pair with Jorginho in a new-look central midfield.
Player Value and Contract Details
According to Transfermarkt, Saúl Ñíguez is valued at €3 million. While it’s unclear whether Flamengo will pay a transfer fee or complete the deal for free, the Brazilian side considers the player’s experience and tactical intelligence a major asset.
Saúl is expected to sign a three-year contract, providing medium-term reinforcement for a club competing on multiple fronts in 2025.
Career Highlights: From Madrid to the Maracanã
Saúl began his career in Real Madrid’s youth system before making a permanent switch to Atlético Madrid, where he became a mainstay. He has also had loan spells at Rayo Vallecano, Chelsea, and most recently Sevilla, with his last loan stint ending about a month ago.
Across his professional career, Saúl has played over 580 matches, scoring 60 goals and registering 33 assists. His arrival in Brazilian football marks one of the most high-profile signings of the year, bolstering Flamengo’s ambitions both domestically and internationally.
