The Blaugrana youngster has been cited as key for the club’s future by president Joan Laporta.
Riqui Puig became one of the coveted young midfielders after making a big impression with Barcelona towards the latter stages of the La Liga 2019/20 season.
When it was expected that the La Masia star would get more minutes the following season, Ronald Koeman had other ideas and told the midfielder he wouldn’t be part of his plans.
The Dutch manager also advised Puig to go on loan, but he ended up staying at the Camp Nou in order to fight for his place. The Spaniard only managed three starts last season.
Now, reports are stating that Puig has turned down offers once again to survive at Barca. A host of Premier League clubs, Celta Vigo, Granada and Bayern Munich, were said to be interested in his services.
Furthermore, the Spanish midfielder is clearly having the backing of new President Joan Laporta, who cites him as an important player for Barca’s future.
Laporta had earlier sung praises of Puig, highlighting the player’s quality and the understanding of the club’s philosophy.
Laporta on Puig: “For me, he is a player of extraordinary quality, strategic for the club because of his way of playing and his understanding of the game and the philosophy of the club (…) Let him be part of the group to earn his place.”
Puig will be expected to have more competition in the upcoming season, especially if Koeman signs another midfielder this summer.
If that is not the case, the Spaniard can add more value to Barca alongside Frenkie de Jong, Busquets and Pedri.
