Lazio have reportedly joined the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig, while Getafe are in advanced talks to sign Blaugrana striker Rey Manaj.
According to Fichajes, out-of-favour Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig is now on the radar of Serie A club Lazio. The Spanish midfielder does not feature in manager Xavi Hernandez’s plans going forward, and the Blaugrana are looking to offload him this summer with just a year remaining on his contract.
A Barcelona youth product, Puig made his first-team debut in the 2018/19 season but could not cement a starting spot, a situation which did not change even with Xavi Hernandez’s arrival last year. In all, the 22-year-old has made 55 appearances for the club’s senior squad, scoring twice and assisting ten goals in them.
Valencia are among the clubs showing interest in the central midfielder. Their manager Gennaro Gattuso is believed to be a big admirer of Puig and wants to sign him this summer. Signing for the La Liga club will allow the young midfielder to stay in Spain and continue his progress while playing for a top club.
On the other hand, Lazio have now joined the race to get Puig on board. However, a lot depends on whether the Spaniard is eager for a change in scenery and playing in an all-new league. He will also have to adapt to the rigours of Serie A football. But amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Puig is a viable target for Lazio.
Getafe getting closer to Rey Manaj signing
Barcelona striker Rey Manaj is closing in on a move to Getafe, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. The Spanish club are in advanced talks with the Blaugrana over a summer move for the 25-year-old, who spent the last season on loan at Spezia in Serie A.
Manaj has now returned to Barcelona but could be on the move again, this time within La Liga, with just a year remaining on his contract. The Albania international is also being courted by Watford, but Getafe are leading the chase for now.
Manaj has been with Barcelona since 2020 but is yet to make a first-team appearance for them. For Spezia last season, the centre-forward scored five goals in 30 appearances. It will be interesting to see if the player remains within La Liga by joining Getafe this summer.