Saúl reveals why he turned down a European club to join Flamengo | OneFootball

Trabzonspor (TUR) attempted to sign Saúl mid-season

Saúl Ñíguez joined Flamengo in mid-2025 and quickly won over the fans both on and off the field. Before signing with Mengo, the midfielder received an offer from Trabzonspor (TUR). This Thursday (27), the Spaniard revealed why he did not stay in Europe.

“For me, the hardest part is when you have to move with the whole family. My biggest fear was that they wouldn't adapt, and so far, everything is fine”, said the midfielder Saúl Ñíguez, in an interview this Thursday (27) with the portal ‘Transfermarkt’.

WHAT IS THE CONTEXT OF THE OFFER?

Saúl Ñíguez was at Sevilla (ESP), on loan from Atlético de Madrid (ESP). Thus, the Spanish midfielder's contract with the Seville team ended, and he returned to the club in the Spanish capital. After that, he terminated his contract and was free to sign with any other team.

— I had spoken with Trabzonspor (a club in Turkey), but Rio was a better option for me and my family. The offer from Flamengo was lower, but formal. I talked to my wife, and we made this decision, she was pregnant — mentioned Saúl.

— The weather, the direct flight, the language… When a team like Flamengo calls you, plays at Maracanã, the facilities, a coach I know personally… it all came together. I even convinced my wife to give birth here — he highlighted, when he arrived at Flamengo.

WHEN DOES FLAMENGO PLAY?

Thus, with Saúl Ñíguez available, Flamengo takes the field this Saturday (29) at 6 PM (Brasília time) against Palmeiras in Lima, for the final of the Copa Libertadores. In this way, the Spanish midfielder could win his first title with the Sacred Mantle.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.