Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel did not request the signing of Atletico Madrid player Saul Niguez, according to reports in Spain.
The Spanish midfielder joined Chelsea in a surprise season-long loan from Atletico Madrid on the last day of the summer transfer window.
But, Saul has been unable to make an impact since moving to Stamford Bridge and has made just five appearances for the Champions League holders this campaign.
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According to Cadena SER, Chelsea had not planned to sign Saul in the summer window and the move was done as a ‘favour’ for the player’s representatives.
The report claims that Atletico Madrid are already aware that the Blues do not want to take up their option of making the loan deal permanent for £34m next summer.
Saul is now looking to convince Tuchel that he is good enough to secure a regular role in the Chelsea team, but the Spaniard now faces more competition after the impressive recent displays from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley.
Just last month, Saul completed his first 90 minutes since joining Chelsea in the victory over Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
Speaking after the game, Tuchel said he was encouraged by Saul’s performance and conceded he has concerns over the player’s ability to cope with the intensity of the game.
‘Was a good match, a huge step in the right direction for him. I am happy,’ said the Chelsea manager.
‘We thought maybe he would be struggling with the intensity at the 70th minute but he got better and better, had chances and shots. ‘We thought let’s keep him and give him the minutes. It was a good step for him.’
