Football
It’s too late. Riqui Puig is on his way out. Barcelona need to sell the talented midfielder
Even after the departure of Ronald Koeman, Riqui Puig remains in Barcelona’s second tier. Under the new coach, the 22-year-old has played just 240 minutes in seven games. Now, even the midfielder’s die-hard fans believe it will be best for him to leave the Camp Nou.
Even after the departure of Ronald Koeman, Riqui Puig remains in Barcelona’s second tier. Under the new coach, the 22-year-old has played just 240 minutes in seven games. Now, even the midfielder’s die-hard fans believe it will be best for him to leave the Camp Nou. A guest appearance would probably not make much sense, so a permanent transfer comes into question.
Perhaps every Barcelona supporter has watched with huge expectations his promising run in the AFC. Even though he never got proper space, they were still behind him and wanted him to succeed at their beloved club.
The former coaches led by Ernesto Valverde and Ronald Koeman were not fair to him. Their management of the cabin was wrong for many, but what is clear for sure – Puig could not develop his talent. Now the legendary Xavi is leading the team, but it seems too late for the player himself.
Pedri, Gavi, Nico and Frenkie de Jong – the Catalan big club have four amazing young players in their ranks and there is no room left for Riqui.
It’s not like he’s on a high wage, is playing poorly, or hasn’t been doing good in the dressing room. If he is on the field he is playing well though he still hasn’t fulfilled his potential.
Anyway, it has been clear for many months that he would be the best and definitely worth showing his great talent. Unfortunately for him, there are better players in the team so it’s clear that the best thing for all parties is if he shows up in another team.
Barcelona could fill his place with another La Masia player or bring in a midfielder from outside, but for now the truth is that Xavi almost doesn’t need a sixth midfielder.
Riqui has played 52 games for Barcelona’s first team in the last four years. However, only fourteen of them have been in the starting line-up only and only on four occasions has he played a full game.
In the last pre-match press conference before the game against Elche, even Xavi admitted that he is not happy about his situation. “I feel bad that I can’t give Rique Puig minutes because there is strong competition for his position – Pedri , Nico Gonzalez , Gavi, Frenkie de Jong. He is training very well and I am happy with him, he is improving, but the competition is a shame for him,” revealed the 42-year-old coach.
The 22-year-old midfielder has a contract at Barcelona until the summer of 2023. It is suggested that the club will soon have to decide between selling or offering a new contract. However, the first mentioned option seems more than likely.
Source: Twitter