Five clubs who could sign Riqui Puig on loan in January
The January transfer market is approaching and this could be a decisive window for Riqui Puig, who still can’t force his way into Ronald Koeman’s plans at Barcelona. With the Dutch coach set to stay on for the foreseeable future, it could be time for the 22-year-old to consider a loan move.
Since making his first-team debut in 2018, Riqui Puig has always been reluctant to go out on loan, believing he can break into the rotation and adamant that the best place for his development is the Camp Nou. However, with minutes so hard to come by and with younger talents like Gavi and Nico having overtaken the Catalan in the pecking order, now might finally be the time for a loan move.
There are several clubs who would be keen on bringing in the La Masia graduate on loan and some of these sides would be a good fit for the player too. Here comes a look at five options for this January.
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Real Betis
Barcelona and Real Betis have done a lot of business in recent years and the Verdiblancos have several former Barça men in their current squad. Manuel Pellegrini’s style would suit the 22-year-old well, while there is also a need for an extra creative talent given the recurring injuries of Sergio Canales and given the depth that is required as Real Betis compete in the league, the Copa del Rey and the Europa League.
Roma
The latest club to emerge in the Riqui Puig sweepstakes is Roma, with Jose Mourinho said to be interested in the midfielder as he isn’t fully satisfied with his current options in the Italian capital. It would be a different style of football to the traditional Barcelona way, but this has helped other La Masia graduates in the past, such as Marc Cucurella when he went to Getafe.
Mourinho wants to sign Riqui Puig for Roma on loan.
— @sport pic.twitter.com/FZA33G0wWS— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 15, 2021
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad would be a particularly interesting option for the youngster, with the Basque side playing attractive football and competing at the very top of the LaLiga Santander table. They already have a lot of talent in midfield, but La Real are one of the most injury-prone teams in Spain and could use a talented backup like Riqui Puig. The fact that Barcelona are interested in La Real’s Mikel Merino could provide further motivation for the Catalan club to offer the White and Blues this lucrative loan.
Celta Vigo
Riqui Puig has been linked with Celta Vigo in the past and the Galician club will always be a potential option for Barcelona loanees, given the strong relationship between the two institutions. The fact that Celta Vigo are playing attacking football is another motivation for La Masia graduates to go there, while the incorporation of a talent like Riqui Puig would be a major boost for coach Eduardo Coudet since his squad currently lacks depth after the starting XI.
AC Milan
AC Milan have enquired about Riqui Puig in the past, although those talks were more so for a permanent transfer, but Barcelona didn’t want to sell then. Now, fresh negotiations with the Rossoneri for a Riqui Puig loan could take place, especially because the previous talks were with the old Bartomeu administration. AC Milan have five loan players already in their squad and have developed a strong reputation in recent years as a finishing school for top talents. Riqui Puig could be the next to refine his craft in red and black.
