Koeman clears the air of the Riqui Puig transfer speculation
Ronald Koeman has taken serious steps towards clearing the deadwood at Barcelona. The former Everton manager has already sold Ivan Rakitic to Sevilla and has now closed the departure of Arturo Vidal to Inter Milan as well. A few other players have been added to the transfer list as well including Luis Suarez, Samuel Umtiti, Nelson Semedo and Junir Firpo.
However, the internet had erupted yesterday after it was confirmed that Riqui Puig has not made it into Koeman’s plans for the upcoming season. The 21-year-old midifelder has shown signs of promise with the senior squad and some believe that the player could potentially be the next Xavi Hernandez or Andreas Iniesta.
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However, with Frenkie de Jong, Miralem Pjanic, Philippe Coutinho, Sergio Busquets and Fransico Trincao in the midfield, Koeman believes that there is no place for Puig. SPORT reports that Koeman instead has asked the 21-year-old midfielder to go out on loan instead.
The Dutch manager believes that the player requires more game time and that cannot be achieved this season at the Camp Nou. The manager also stated that a player of his age must be playing regularly instead of warming the bench and the same could happen to the other young players.
Bartomeu speaks about the Riqui Puig situation
The club president attempted to clear the air on the transfer rumours. Bartomeu stated that the current squad is quite massive and that the midfield has a lot of competition. The president went on to say that Ronald Koeman at the end will choose the best.
Riqui Puig may not be the best midifelder Barca have currently, but the player has shown signs of becoming a world class midfielder. A loan could be the ideal move that Puig requires to fulfill his potential, however, a permanent transfer would be foolish and should be off the cards.