مدير عام كرة القدم
- Saul’s Trabzonspor move collapsed last minute
- Flamengo offered quick alternative
- Midfielder criticised by Turkish club
Saul was hours away from completing a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor, even having a medical scheduled. But the former Atletico Madrid midfielder unexpectedly pulled out, citing personal and family issues. Shortly after, Flamengo swooped in, and the Spaniard accepted their offer to reunite with his former team-mates Filipe Luis and Jorginho in Brazil.
This sudden shift reflects Saul’s desire for a fresh chapter and regular playing time after inconsistent loan spells at Chelsea and Sevilla. The move to Brazil marks a bold choice late in his career, with Flamengo providing a platform under the attacking guidance of Filipe Luis to revive his form and legacy outside Europe.
Trabzonspor’s head coach Fatih Tekke criticised the player, saying: “Let those who don’t want Trabzon have their fun. We will find a better one and bring him here. Players negotiate with many places. At last they choose Turkey. Then Istanbul, then Trabzon. While the number is one, it becomes two for us.”
The 30-year-old will travel to Brazil to complete his medical and sign with Flamengo. The club are hoping his European experience can boost their midfield options as they compete in domestic and continental competitions. For Saul, this could be one of the final chances to reinvent his career outside Spain.