Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig has expressed his disinterest in joining La Liga rivals Getafe during the current transfer window.
Riqui Puig, the Barcelona midfielder who has been linked with a move away from the club amid interest from La Liga side Getafe, is not interested in leaving the club, according to a report from El Nacional.
Puig is a product of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia youngster development program. The 22-year-old was largely considered as one of the most promising young players to have come from Camp Nou’s youth systems in recent years. However, his first-team career has not taken off as anticipated. Whether it’s under Ernesto Valverde, Quique Setien, Ronald Koeman, or Xavi Hernandez, the midfielder has failed to make an impact in the Premier League so far.
Riqui Puig has not received much playing time of late
Puig had been effectively shut out of the team by Koeman throughout the first half of the current season. Due to the injuries sustained by Pedri and Frenkie de Jong at the time, the Spaniard did have some opportunities once Xavi took over as manager. He, on the other hand, did not make the most of his opportunity and now finds himself on the fringe of the first team once again.
Because of Pedri’s return to health, as well as the rise of Nico Gonzalez and Gavi, Puig’s playing time at Barcelona is unlikely to increase soon. His departure from the club has been connected as a consequence of this, and he is expected to leave during the current transfer window. Several clubs, including AS Roma, Real Betis, and now Getafe, have shown an interest in bringing him to their respective clubs.
Getafe manager is looking to strengthen his midfield options
According to the report, Getafe manager Quique Sanchez Flores is looking to strengthen his squad during the mid-season transfer window and believes the Barcelona academy product can provide significant value to the side in the second half of the season and beyond.
According to reports, the Azulones are even prepared to give him a vital position in the senior squad, similar to what they accomplished with Carles Alena, another Barcelona school alumnus. In contrast to his rejection of Real Betis, Puig is expected to reject Getafe in the same manner. At the present, the 22-year-old midfielder has no plans to leave Camp Nou, even though he plays a little role in Xavi’s first team.
However, according to the source, the midfielder may have a look at his options after the current season. For the time being, though, it seems that Puig will remain in Catalonia and continue his efforts to revitalise his stalled career.
