Jose Mourinho after £145 million Saul Niguez and Antoine Griezmann

Jose Mourinho looks set to raid Atletico Madrid with a determined strategy to bring in Antoinne Griezmann and Saul Niguez.

Athletico’s star players

Saul Niguez and Antoine Griezmann have played influential roles in Atletico’s rise in the recent years as they received credit for their accomplishments under Diego Simeone. Due to their rise in form, they have started to garner attention from Manchester United. Could the duo fit well at United under Jose Mourinho?

French icon

Griezmann, the Atleti number 10 is one of the best forwards in the world right now. He has contributed with admirable international performances and played a pivotal role for Atletico leading their attack. The Frenchman made the Euro 2016 his own, scoring six times and deservedly claiming the third position in the Ballon d’Or competition held this year. He has been a mainstay for the Spanish side which is reflected by his excellent domestic record.

Spanish support

Simeone depends immensely on Saul for his role at the heart of midfield. The 22 year old trudges on the pitch as it is his own. And Jose Mourinho would love to bring someone with his physical presence and demeanour to Old Trafford.

The summer signings reveal that Jose would love to work with a tall and mobile player such as Saul. With Carrick also in the twilight of his career and a replacement needed, the Spaniard could flourish under Jose’s guidance at United.

License to spend

United did bid for Saul the past summer but the player rejected it. The English club have been very obvious with their interest in their forward too and sensing this Atletico Madrid have made both these players sign huge releases in their contracts which run till 2021. Griezmann has a release clause of £91 million while Saul Niguez has one for £54 million. Subsequently, any likelihood of drafting in both the players would equate to a bid of around £145 million.

With the Red Devils having spent £149 million in the summer, a similar spending spree could be on the cards. United’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Ed Woodward has been very clear that United are ready to break the bank again. The midfield could be rather depleted after the January transfer window with expected departures of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay which could compel Jose Mourinho to look for replacements.

Jose’s Masterplan?

The Portuguese manager is adamant to restore Manchester United to their former glory which they relished during Sir Alex Ferguson’s time at Old Trafford. With the addition of the Atletico duo, Jose would certainly hope that the Manchester club become title contenders once again. And they are restored to the peak of European football which has been missing since Sir Alex stepped down.

Antoine Griezmann is tipped as the successor to Zlatan who is not a long term striker option for United. The dearth of midfielder options could play a part in Saul’s arrival in Manchester.

Next: Depay asks to leave Man United

His addition would certainly add depth to an already talented pool of midfielders. United would be hoping that they convince the Spanish club to part with their players for less than £145 million but a coup like this would be extraordinary to perform.

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