Leeds United are set to battle Italian giants AC Milan for Barcelona outcast Riqui Puig in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to Fichajes, Premier League side Leeds United are set to go up against Italian giants AC Milan in the race to land out of favour Barcelona star Riqui Puig in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old came through the ranks at La Masia, making his first-team debut in 2018. He has since made 51 appearances, scoring one goal and assisting three more. Despite showing promise, Puig has struggled for game time this season. He has played a mere 355 minutes spread over 12 matches in all competitions this season.
New manager Xavi Hernandez appears to be open to the idea of selling the 22-year-old and is betting on younger players in the position to help him rebuild Barcelona. Selling Puig will help him bring in money that can be reinvested into the squad.
While he might be an unwanted player at Camp Nou, the Spaniard has his plenty of admirers elsewhere. Leeds and Milan are reportedly keen to offer him an escape route to put his career back on track. A talented midfielder in his own right, Puig has the potential to develop into a leading player under the right guidance.
Marcelo Bielsa is a manager known for getting the best out of his young wards, and a move to Elland Road could prove to be a wise decision. Leeds are, however, struggling this season and could find themselves in the race to avoid relegation unless results pick up.
With star midfielder Kalvin Phillips attracting attention from elsewhere, a central midfielder does appear to be on the club’s agenda this summer. Middlesbrough star Marcus Tavernier is another player on their radar.
Milan, however, represent a more glamorous option and will also provide Puig with the opportunity to play European football next season. Stefano Pioli is building a young team with a lot of promise. The likes of Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao, and Sandro Tonali already form the spine of a young and potentially exciting outfit.
One major drawback in the Rosoneeri’s rebuild is the imminent departure of midfielder Franck Kessie at the end of the current campaign. In Puig, they could land themselves an excellent replacement who has the best years of his career ahead of him.
As things stand, the Barcelona man’s potential remains largely untapped. Whether it be Leeds or Milan, one of the teams could land themselves a talent worth nurturing.
