How Riqui Puig rejected Chelsea to make MLS move
Karan Tejwani
- 4 Aug 2022 13:22 BST
- 3 min read
Riqui Puig is close to completing a move to Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy, having been told he can leave Barcelona this summer.
The midfielder was highly regarded by many close to the club, but he was unable to show his best form for the club over the years and is now set to move across the pond.
Puig has been looking for a club for much of the summer, having missed Barcelona’s pre-season tour to the United States, and he was one of seven other players that the Blaugrana were open to selling.
Now, though, he’s admitted he’s had offers from elsewhere, including some from other top leagues across Europe including the Premier League and Serie A.
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Puig rejected Europe's top clubs before
According to reports from Spain, leaked audio conversations have revealed that Puig was receiving offers from Chelsea and Italian champions Milan, which he turned down.
The clips came from the Dongcast Podcast, and is from several months ago, as Puig explains that Milan were one of the clubs that made him an offer.
Now, though, he’s set for a move to MLS, which has come as a bit of a surprise seeing as a move like this is rare, but he’s expected to do well in Los Angeles.
BREAKING: 22-year-old Riqui Puig will sign for LA Galaxy from Barça on a three-year-deal, per @FabrizioRomano ✅ pic.twitter.com/StuA946Loq
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 3, 2022
Puig earned a name for himself several years ago, but was rarely given chances under Ernesto Valverde and Ronald Koeman, much to the annoyance of many supporters.
Fans felt he would get more of a chance under Xavi once he returned to the club in November last year, but nothing like that has materialized.
He’s been down the pecking order, behind the likes of Pedri, Gavi, Nico and Frenkie de Jong, which has further limited his chances and this summer, he was given the freedom to leave.
After several days of negotiations, LA Galaxy came back with a firm offer, and a move is now set to be complete.
