No one could’ve seen this coming.
Riqui Puig, one of FC Barcelona’s highly touted youth prospects for the last few years, reportedly is nearing a transfer to MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano:
The 22-year-old midfielder has been considered a top prospect from Barcelona’s infamous La Masia academy, but he’s been unable to take the leap into the first team for several reasons.
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Following the recent hiring of manager Xavi Hernández, Puig fell further down in the pecking order and doesn’t seem to be in Xavi’s plans moving forward. Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Miralem Pjanic are ahead of Puig in the depth chart, along with newly acquired Franck Kessié.
With the MLS secondary transfer window closing on Aug. 4, Galaxy will be getting a marquee midfielder to add to the squad alongside Victor Vázquez, Gaston Brugman, Mark Delgado and Rayan Raveloson. Douglas Costa was another midfield acquisition for the team this season, though he operates more on the wide flanks, whereas Puig is better suited for a central midfield role.
LA Galaxy is currently sitting one spot out of a playoff spot, trailing the Portland Timbers by one point in the standings with a game in hand. Galaxy has 12 regular-season games remaining on the calendar.