I was keen to get Saul in the summer as well, particularly on a similar ‘try before you buy’ deal that Chelsea have managed. However, on current showing something’s gone seriously wrong for him over the last couple of years.
I’d definitely be focusing elsewhere - nobody over 24.
They play Jorginho there but play 3 center backs. As I said he’d be exposed trying to play no.6 here.
It’s the great irony of James being lauded as some sort of brilliant defender over Trent when he literally has a center back covering his channel all game.
Different role to Fabinho’s here. We play a single pivot of certain first and foremost defensive qualities, they play a double-six in front of a back 3 (lately also tried a midfield 3 structure). Saul is best somewhere in between, he’s not someone who’s best fixed in a position, but can go about the pitch. Played a lot of positions at Atletico. Maybe a combination of being a victim of his versatility and his level simply dropping a little bit for whatever reason. A few years ago he was really good when he arrived from deep and had some nice solutions on the ball in the final third.
Thanks guys for the replies. As I said, small sample size and different system.
I think the only issue is Leverkusen set the bar with Havertz and Wirtz well on his way to be putting in that same price bracket.
How about Sergio Gomez who is having a very good start in Anderlect after moving there from Dortmund. Seem to be pretty good in the central and advanced midfield areas, looks hardworking and willing to run and defend when necessary, has good skills and a good age of 21 to develop. Would not cost excessively normally from the Belgian leagues. Also, he was damn world class when I bought him for 10mil in Football Manager.
Next time lead with this, nobody cares about what he does in real life 
I thought that by packaging the truth with a whole lot of irrelevant stuff, people would be deceived to agree with me.
Nah, mate, I’m only looking at some exotic leagues like the Dutch or the Greek one. There are one or two Olympiacos players who have caught my eye so far and I’m not even kidding! If Tsimikas can cut it, so can they!
Heard rumours about a Guinean midfielder from there. Supposedly ripping it up albeit very young. Probably needs another season or two before a big club take the risk.
Aguibou Camara the name just seen it. Lots of Guinea players playing for them damn.
Wasn’t he linked with United not long ago?
Yeah, that’s one of these lads. To be honest, it’s not a high standard of opposition in Greek league and Europa League but he caught my eye immediately, turned out he was pretty young as well. One to watch, I doubt he’ll go straight to a top side but you never know.
Eddie Nketiah anyone? He has allegedly refused a new contract with Arsenal meaning he can agree with a foreign club in Jan. Is he good enough as a prospect to step up?
He’s pretty average in my opinion. Scored a lot of goals at youth level but he’s not someone that excites me - same with Folarin Balogun.
I think we need better than Nketiah. Decent shout for a player not linked, who will come available, but I don’t see a player a whole lot better than Solanke.
Adeyemi, David, Nkunku, Sarr, Doku - someone from a group like that, maybe even two of them, if say, Sadio doesn’t sign a new deal.
Smith-Rowe and Saka seem to be the stand outs from that current crop of theirs and the only ones I’d entertain here.
The likes of Nketiah, Maitland-Niles, Nelson, Balogun and probably Martinelli will likely go the same way as Willock and end up making them a few quid from some mid-table Premier League club.
I saw Lamptey play with Brighton this weekend, played an excellent match and that guy is real, real fast.
I’d keep well away from Saka, just another English winger.
Smith-Rowe is all energy when on the ball, I don’t see him being much cop either.
Moussa Diaby would be a good addition. Can play on both wings and is rapid. Only 22 and I doubt his wage demands would be too high.
Martinelli. Our Brazilian lot should be on the phone by now convincing him to join us. He looks a star in the making.