La Masia graduate not in Xavi’s plans, might finally have to leave Barcelona | OneFootball

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Barca Universal

·24 January 2022

La Masia graduate not in Xavi’s plans, might finally have to leave Barcelona

Article image:La Masia graduate not in Xavi’s plans, might finally have to leave Barcelona

Barcelona are willing to offload midfielder Riqui Puig in order to lower their wage bills, according to Catalan outlet SPORT.

Since making his debut in 2019, opportunities of playing first-team football have been far and between for the midfielder. After failing to convince former manager Ronald Koeman of his capabilities, the 22-year-old now finds himself on the same path under Xavi.


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The manager did use him off the bench in his very first game, but the fact remains that he has played 30-plus minutes of football in a mere four of his 11 appearances across all competitions. Since his starting role against Linares Deportivo in a 2-1 win in Copa del Rey, Puig has failed to appear in each of Barcelona’s last four games.

The signs are pretty much clear. The La Masi graduate seems to have lost his place in Xavi’s plans and finds himself way down the pecking order with Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi, and Nico Gonzalez all ahead of him.

Even Barcelona B’s Alvaro Sanz made an appearance before him against Granada.

Despite that though, the player has rather decided to prove Xavi he is still worthy of first-team football even if it forces him to leave the team on loan.

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Quique Sanchez Flores’ Getafe have shown potential interest, but the midfielder has no interest in a permanent move as he wants to fulfill his contract which runs until 2023.

There is interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers as well, who in fact enjoy a great working relationship with Barcelona. According to Transfermarkt, the Premier League team wants to sign Puig on a loan deal with an option to buy. It is believed that the Molineux club is ‘very interested’ in acquiring the midfielder, but the final decision stays with the player himself.

Barca Universal’s take

Puig knows he is pretty much out of favour at the club and if he continues to stay within the Barcelona roster, not only will his development will hinder but his transfer valuation will take a hit too. Maybe it’s time for the youngster to accept his fate and move on from the Catalan club.

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