Saul Niguez last started for Chelsea in early march and did so in consecutive Premier League games against Burnley and Norwich, albeit at wing-back - the position he hoped to avoid when departing Atletico Madrid in the summer. Saul has been limited to 20 appearances in Blues, predominantly as a rotation option or from the bench, and probably not made the impact he hoped.
The Spaniard ensured an eventful transfer deadline day at Stamford Bridge in August, in what seemed in some respects a coup, and others, an unusual player to sign to be your fourth choice player behind Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante and Jorginho. His first start against Aston Villa in the Premier League did little to build on any anticipation surrounding his debut, and the 27-year-old has played dutifully but rarely since.
There has been little to suggest that Chelsea will look to take advantage of the clause in place to make the deal permanent, and with the current ownership situation and sanctions, it would currently be unable to do so anyhow.
