ATLETICO MADRID midfielder Saul Niguez has sensationally claimed the club are ‘kicking him out’ as he nears a switch to Barcelona, according to reports.
The two clubs are in advanced talks over the midfielder’s future that will see Antoine Griezmann head in the opposite direction.
Barca are desperate to trim their wage bill and Griezmann remains one of the highest earners on £345,000-a-week.
Saul, 26, has spent his entire senior career with Atletico after making his debut in 2012.
The fan favourite has made 337 appearances for the side having won the league title, Copa del Rey and Europa League twice.
As news spread around the fanbase of Saul’s potential departure, supporters were desperate to convince the player to stay.
Stepping off the team bus as they stepped up pre-season preparations, fans were chanting ‘Saul, stay’.
As he went over to offer his signature, one lady asked whether he felt sad over his departure.
A man then followed up with the comment ‘this is your home, stay.’
According to El Desmarque, the player responded: “They’re kicking me out of here, man.”
The possible transfer was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who wrote: “Barcelona and Atletico are in advanced talks for a swap deal between Saúl and Griezmann!
“Both players gave the green light in the last hours.
“Barça and Atléti now negotiating on price tags. Barça want money included. Liverpool and Chelsea keen on Saúl if the deal will collapse.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
