“Never interested”: Fiorentina director clears up rumours about Barcelona midfielder | OneFootball

Riqui Puig’s exit from Barcelona this summer is inevitable, with rumours linking him to Fiorentina, Celta Vigo, and Benfica heating up. Reports have also suggested that the club is considering renewing the midfielder so they don’t lose him for free next year.

However, it seems Barcelona will be one suitor short for Puig this window, as Fiorentina’s director Prade cleared up the rumours, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano.

“We are not interested in Riqui Puig, he’s never been in our list. We wanted to sign Grillitsch but then we had some problems,” he said.

Puig has been a fan-favourite at Barcelona for years now, but has not been handed his break by any manager. While he had some bright moments under Quique Setien, his luck did not quite carry on with Ronald Koeman or even with Xavi.

He played just 14 games during the 2020/21 season, and just 15 last season. With the rise of Gavi and Nico Gonzalez, Puig’s chances of competing in the first-team reduced further.

Franck Kessie will join the ranks next season, too, pretty much ending the La Masia midfielder’s shot at even a rotation role.

It is understandable why Puig might have difficulty looking for a club – on loan, no less – this summer, given he is on the last year of his contract. This saga could stretch a lot further than Barcelona would have wanted.