Once regarded as the future of FC Barcelona, Riqui Puig is closing in on an exit from Camp Nou after failing to establish himself at the first-team level at the club.
The La Masia graduate was widely regarded as one of the best prospects to have come through the ranks when he made his senior debut in 2018. However, he has been unable to translate his promise and potential at the first-team level and struggled to gain a foothold in the side.
Indeed, Puig has failed to make a lasting impression on any of the managers he has played for at Barcelona, including Xavi, who rarely called upon the 22-year-old last season and has asked him to find a new club this summer.
Puig was one among the five players left behind by Xavi as the rest of the squad went on the pre-season tour to the USA as he wanted their futures sorted.
And as the Barça squad returns to Catalonia, Puig could find himself on the plane to the US as a move to the MLS could be in the offing for the Spaniard.
LA Galaxy have shown a strong interest in the 22-year-old and are ready to hand him a three-year contract. And, according to SPORT, after thinking for a few days, the La Masia graduate is considering accepting the proposal and moving to the MLS.
LA Galaxy are home to some well-known footballers like Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez and Douglas Costa but are keen to add younger players from Europe as they wish to take the team to the next level.
Puig has had offers from other clubs in the MLS and some teams in Spain, but none of them have managed to catch his eye, nor meet Barcelona’s financial demands.
So, having had time to think and ponder over his situation, the Spaniard is now considering a career-altering switch to the MLS. With the deadline for new player registration in the league set for August 4, Puig will have to make a decision in the next few days if he does wish to join LA Galaxy.
Barça, for their part, are aware of the interest from LA Galaxy and will not cause any impediments to the transfer. The ball is totally in the court of the midfielder now and it remains to be seen what he decides.