From Atlético Madrid Prodigy to Veteran Leader

Born on November 21, 1994, in Elche, Spain, Saúl joined Atlético Madrid’s academy after a short stint at Real Madrid. Over 13 seasons, he played 427 matches, scored 48 goals, and was instrumental in winning LaLiga, Copa del Rey, two Europa League titles, and multiple UEFA Super Cups.

Known for his versatility, Saúl featured as a box-to-box midfielder, defensive anchor, and even full-back, earning 19 senior caps for Spain along the way. His crowning achievements at youth level included lifting the 2012 UEFA U19 Championship and winning the Golden Boot at the 2017 U21 Euros.

Loans, Decline, and Contract Termination

Between 2021 and 2025, Saúl struggled to maintain his star role. His loan to Chelsea (2021–22) yielded one goal in 23 games but earned him a FIFA Club World Cup. Later, a stint with Sevilla (2024–25) saw him tally 1 goal and 6 assists over 26 matches.

Despite flashes of form, Atlético manager Diego Simeone confirmed the midfielder would not feature in future plans due to a saturated midfield and high wages, leading to a mutual contract termination.

Trabzonspor Deal Falls Apart

Saúl was initially on the brink of signing a three-year contract with Turkish club Trabzonspor. A medical was set, and terms were finalized. However, at the last moment, the player cited “personal reasons” for pulling out, prompting Trabzonspor to publicly announce the collapse of the deal.

Flamengo: A Bold New Chapter

Shortly after his Turkish exit, Saúl agreed in principle to join Flamengo, one of Brazil’s biggest clubs. The midfielder is set to sign a three-year deal, working under ex-teammate Filipe Luís, now Flamengo’s head coach. The move could also reunite him with fellow ex-Chelsea players such as Jorginho.

Why This Move Matters

At 30, Saúl’s decision signals a fresh start. Moving from Europe’s intense spotlight to South America allows him to:

• Secure consistent first-team football.
• Lead as a veteran in a competitive league.
• Find a balanced environment prioritizing both career and family.

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