Riqui Puig reported to Barcelona’s pre-season training camp earlier today, despite being given permission to not join the rest of the players in order to sort out his future.
The 22-year-old is no longer in the plans of manager Xavi Hernandez and has been informed that he is to leave the club in the current transfer window.
Despite his struggles to nail down a spot in Barcelona’s first-team setup, the La Masia graduate continues to gather admirers from across the continent. Clubs in La Liga have shown an interest, while there have also been links to some French sides.
However, according to a fresh update from SPORT journalist Joan Vehils, Italy could end up being Puig’s next destination as he is in advanced negotiations with Serie A side Fiorentina over a transfer this summer.
Reports last week had claimed that the Spaniard’s camp were in contact with the Viola over a possible move. And, it now seems like the talks have reached advanced stages, which could mean that a transfer might be imminent.
Puig has less than a year left on his contract with Barcelona. Given that he does not feature in the manager’s plans, especially following the arrival of Franck Kessie, a parting of ways makes total sense for both the player and the club.
Fiorentina finished in seventh place in Serie A last season and will play the qualifiers for the UEFA Europa Conference League, meaning that Puig could get an opportunity of featuring in a continental competition if he joins Vincenzo Italiano’s team this summer.
It is evident that Puig’s development has stalled due to the lack of minutes coming his way at Barcelona. A new challenge at a new club could be exactly what he needs to get his career back on track and live up to the potential he had shown when he rose through the ranks at La Masia.