In a recent report, Estadio Deportivo has claimed that Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig is set to leave in January with Real Betis and Manchester City showing interest in securing his signature either on loan or on a permanent transfer. Even though the Spanish youngster’s current contract at the Nou Camp will run out at the end of this campaign, yet the Catalan club have the option to tie him down for two more years (via Estadio Deportivo).
Puig’s Insufficient Game Time In La Liga This Season
Puig has hardly featured for the Spanish giants recently with most of his appearances coming in inconsequential Champions League matches this season. In total, he has participated in just four matches for Barca this term in various competitions.
Despite his lack of game time, the 21-year-old has done well to average 1.0 shots, 1.7 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per game in the UEFA Champions League group stages. He hardly gives away the ball when interchanging possession with his teammates in midfield as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 89.4% in European football this season (stats via whoscored).
Puig needs to ensure more playing minutes soon if he wants to grow as a midfielder, so he should seek a move away from Catalonia either on loan or permanently when the transfer window reopens at the start of January.
What Are The Spanish Youngster’s Best Attributes?
Puig is a deceptively quick midfielder who can complete some dangerous dribbles towards the opponent’s penalty box. He can be a hard man to dispossess as he has got excellent ball control and balance to come out of tight spaces and create some openings in the opposition half.
As mentioned earlier, the Spanish whizkid is a tidy passer of the ball and could potentially become a class act in midfield someday. However, for that to happen, Puig needs to sort out his long-term future at Barcelona or seek a move elsewhere so that he can get his career back on track.
Does Puig Have A Long-Term Future At Barcelona?
At the moment, Puig has fallen behind the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Philippe Coutinho, Miralem Pjanic and Sergio Busquets in Ronald Koeman’s pecking order. Unless the Barca boss plans to use him more often in the remainder of this season, it makes sense for both the player and the club to part ways with each other during the January transfer window.
If the Catalans believe that Puig can be a long-term asset for them, then it is logical for them to keep him under contract for the time being. Sending him out on loan next month seems like the sensible move for Barca as it will give Puig the chance to return as a better version of himself at the end of this campaign. With all things considered, the Spanish prospect might still have a bright career at the Nou Camp if he can work hard on gaining more strength and improving his overall game over the next few seasons.
