‘Operation Salida’ Continues : Riqui the next to leave?

Barça’s busy summer transfer window is not just about signing players. They also work on players leaving the club.

Although the future of Frenkie,  Memphis, Collado and Pjanic is on the air, they are still part of the team. Meanwhile, the ‘outcasts ‘ are still looking for a way out.

The first step was this weekend when Óscar Mingueza left to Celta Vigo on a deal worth about €3 million. The full-back was one of five players the club wanted to get rid of. However, the others on that list could follow him soon.

Riqui Puig

Riqui Puig is a target of Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy. According to recent reports, they submitted an official offer to Barça for the 22-year-old. The Blaugrana won’t play hardball when it comes to the transfer fee. But the obstacle is Puig’s willingness to move to the United States at this point of his career. Riqui still hopes to play in Europe. But currently there are no offers yet. The MLS deadline for new signings is August 4, so a Riqui must decide soon.

Braithwaite

Martin Braithwaite finally accepted his fate and is looking for a move away. Therefore, the latest reports suggest he will negotiate a release from his contract to become a free agent. That would allow an easier path for him to join a new club. There’s interest from Celta and Getafe in La Liga, and few EPL teams are already on alert.

Furthermore, in recent hours he received a major offer from a club in Saudi Arabia. It looks like the Dane’s exit will become official in the next few days.

Umtiti and Neto : Not imminent exits

Samuel Umtiti was very, very close to a move to Rennes in France. But things broke down when the French club had doubts about the player’s fitness.

Recently a new team emerged as a serious candidate for Big Sam: Olympiacos in Greece have expressed interest and begun talks with both Barça and the player, with a loan move in which both teams share Umtiti’s salary the most likely outcome as of now.

The most complicated case as of now is goalkeeper Neto, who continues to find himself close to a move before seeing it break down: Celta Vigo almost signed him last month before giving up due to his high salary demands, and Napoli have shifted their interest towards Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga. There’s still a month left in the transfer window and the expectation is Neto will eventually find a new home, but his exit might take a little more time.