Transfers: Riqui Puig is only thinking about staying at Barcelona
The midfielder is convinced he will get his chance if he bides his time
It happened in November 2019, when people willingly misinterpreted comments from Riqui Puig and suggested he was ready to leave Barcelona. There were still weeks to go into the transfer window opened but, despite the noise, the youngster had not planned to leave the club at any moment.
NOTHING HAS CHANGED
History repeated itself in the summer of 2020 when Barça coach Ronald Koeman opened the door for Puig to leave, saying he would prefer him to gain experience and minutes elsewhere and return stronger. Maybe that was the easy solution, but the young midfielder likes a challenge and decided to prove to Koeman that he was wrong. So far, the Dutch coach has still not given him a chance, but that doesn't mean Puig has given up.
In fact, he has complete faith in his ability and is convinced his chance will come and that when it does he will be able to take it. He has only played three minutes this season, against Getafe, but is ready to pounce.
🤹♂️ @RiquiPuig pic.twitter.com/9ytpD6T775
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) 27 de octubre de 2020
INJURIES
The reality is that Koeman is fulfilling his word because Riqui is not playing and there's no sensation that he will do soon. But football changes quickly and the player is focused on being ready when the moment comes. In that sense, the fact the squad is short gives him hope. Any setback in terms of injuries or suspensions could give him a chance.
Beyond Koeman's system, which is not the best for Riqui's skillset, the coach is having problems in various positions due to injuries. Coutinho is about to return but Ansu Fati is now out for four months. In addition, Sergio Busquets suffered an injury with the Spain national team this week. In brief, the season is long and Puig is convinced an opportunity will come. Then it will be in his hands to prove to Koeman he can't be dropped.
GERMANY AND PORTUGAL
Barça are obliged to sell before the buy in January because there's no money. They have received offers for several players from around Europe. One of the names on the table is Puig. At 21, he's shown he has talent even if for the moment he doesn't have a place at Camp Nou.
Despite that, current sporting director Ramon Planes is only thinking of a loan because Puig's future is seen at the club. Last summer, there was interest from German sides Borussia Monchengladbach and Schalke 04 but more recently the calls have been arriving from Portugal. Benfica and Porto would both take him on loan. Barça's response has always been the same because Puig has never been open to leaving. Riqui knows the easy thing would be to leave but the difficult motivates. And that's where he is.
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