Barça midfielder Riqui Puig is on his way to Major League Soccer. The 22-year-old reached an “agreement in principle” to join the Los Angeles Galaxy on a permanent transfer, according to a report from Albert Rogé of Relevo.
Riqui Puig, camino a la MLS.
El jugador azulgrana tiene un principio de acuerdo para irse a LA Galaxy.
A falta de cerrar los detalles finales, se trabaja en una operación donde el Barça se guardaría una opción para el futuro (recompra o % de futura venta).
✍️ @albert_roge pic.twitter.com/YdiqWF1U4k
— Relevo (@relevo) August 1, 2022
The two sides will have to close the final details. But it will be a permanent transfer in which Barça will have a future option, either with a buyback clause or a percentage of a future sale.
Riqui Puig was always a very interesting prospect. But for various reasons he never became a regular part of the rotation under different managers. At the end of last season Xavi told him that he’s not part of his plans. He didn’t join the team on the US tour, and yet to have a regular preseason. But so far he didn’t get any meaningful offers from European clubs this summer. the Spaniard seemingly has decided to experience life in the United States for a while.
It’s no secret that Riqui Puig has enormous talent in him. For a while he was a fan favorite, and we didn’t understand how he didn’t get his chances. Both Valverde and Koeman didn’t believe that he had what it takes. And Quique Setien did let him play, and we saw his potential. Many of us remember this performance vs Atletico Madrid.
Riqui puig vs Atletico madrid
……………
حرفياً تنمر على وسط أتلتيكو مدريد بالكامل ، جعل من بارتي اضحوكة ، بس محنكين التويتر شايفين ريكي مادة دسمة. pic.twitter.com/23WEwbSwpe— الشايب (@MBN11_) April 15, 2021
But in a team like FC Barcelona, either you make it fast, or someone else will make it instead of you. While we spoke about Riqui and his plans, other talents came up and took over. And last season, although Xavi came and he’s a long time admirer of Riqui, it was too far for him. Pedri, Gavi, Nico and others were already above him in the pecking order.
It’s a good thing that Riqui will try new things abroad. Did we overhype Riqui Puig? Maybe. Did he deserve a proper chance? For sure.
