At Barca it's raining offers for Riqui Puig

Riqui Puig is, without doubt, the Barca youth player who generates the most excitement. The club know there is interest in the player in the market. No decision has been taken but Barca are analysing the player’s future and looking how to give him the definitive impulse in his career. Without hurt and with the conviction that he can be an important player in the first team squad. The main idea is that they want him to play as many minutes as possible at a top level team. Whether that be at Camp Nou or elsewhere, whatever happens it will be a consensual decision.

The Blaugrana youngster is ready to take the jump. His time in the B team will reach its end if the team don’t climb to the second division - something up in the air because of the coronavirus crisis. If there is a promotion, he’ll play an important role in the team ahead of going to the first team. If they don’t come up, he will either move to the first team or be loaned out. Just a loan, nothing about an option to buy.

The dilemma was on the table in January. Barca had offers and advised the player that he had an opportunity to keep growing, but he preferred to stay at Barca. Quique Setien’s arrival reaffirmed his decision. Setien likes Riqui but the tough competition has seen him lose out a little.

Barcelona are planning their new project and the club and Riqui know minutes will be hard to come by. Arthur, De Jong, Busquets and Sergi Roberto are battling for time, while Carles Alena will be back from loan.

Riqui’s situation has not gone unnoticed in Europe and Barca are excited about the prospect of him developing. Zaragoza tried previously and Dutch sides, but they also had calls from Real Betis, Celta Vigo, Granada and Ajax. Bundesliga and Premier League teams have shown interest too.