From Messi's favourite to dumped out on loan - Ilaix Moriba's future looks grim
Karan Tejwani
- 18 Jul 2022 15:54 BST
- 3 min read
Ilaix Moriba is set to leave RB Leipzig on loan this summer in order to gain more experience, having spent the last season struggling to make an impact at the German side and then temporarily at Valencia.
The midfielder was widely regarded as one of La Masia’s finest talents when he was at Barcelona, with many believing that Lionel Messi was a big fan of his when the pair were together at the Camp Nou.
Now, though, it’s a big change for Ilaix, who has not made the impact that was expected of him, and despite a positive start to pre-season, he is expected to move out of Leipzig on a short deal.
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Ilaix scored in his side’s 3-1 win over Southampton in a pre-season friendly laying an early indication that this may be a good season for him, with coach Domenico Tedesco praising his offensive impact.
A difficult year for Ilaix
However, it’s unclear where Ilaix will be playing his football next season, with Valencia not interested in bringing him back despite making 14 appearances for them in the second half of last season.
It wasn’t too long ago that Ilaix was the gem of La Masia – top clubs across Europe’s were after his signature, including Manchester United and Chelsea, as they were keen on exploring his talent.
His contract at Barcelona ran out, and he made the move to Germany, banking on the fact that the Bundesliga side had a good reputation for developing young players.
However, he joined in a season where Leipzig weren’t at their best: Jesse Marsch was head coach, and he struggled initially after replacing Julian Nagelsmann, before getting the sack early on in the campaign.
💥 Ilaix Moriba with a stunning hit against Southampton 👏
pic.twitter.com/CDD8htpQQ0— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) July 16, 2022
Tedesco came in and Ilaix wasn’t part of his plans, as he attempted to steer the ship, ultimately helping Leipzig secure Champions League qualification and winning the DFB Pokal, as Ilaix spent time in Valencia.
For Ilaix, fortunately, there is still time – he’s only 19, and can take encouragement from the fact that he built a good reputation at Barcelona, as well as the fact that he is a full Guinea international.
Beyond his control, though, is the options he will have – he can’t afford to take another risk in his next move, as he won’t have too many chances after to get it right.
