Barça misfit Riqui Puig signs for LA Galaxy
The youngster was not wanted by any of the last few coaches and has departed
It’s official. Riqui Puig is an LA Galaxy player. The midfielder has signed for the MLS side. Barcelona put out a statement on Thursday night explaining that they reserve 50% of his next sale rights. He is on a deal until 2025.
The youngster leaves Barcelona, where he’s played since 2013, arriving as a Cadete. He soared up the ranks and debuted with the first team in the Copa del Rey against Cultural Leonesa in 2018.
He’s been a member of the first team squad since 2020 but didn’t completely win over any of his coaches or secure a place in the first team, Valverde, Setien, Koeman and finally Xavi. It was the latter who told him he was not needed any more.
At 22, Riqui has chosen to cross the ocean and try his luck on the west coast of the states, where he will play with Javier Chicharito Hernandez, Douglas Costa or Victor Vazquez, a former Barca player, among others.
“We are pleased to welcome Riqui to the LA Galaxy,” said LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney. “Riqui is a very technical and well educated player with incredible experience for his age. He will be a perfect fit for our group and style of play.”
