Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig has been linked with Leeds United in recent months, with the 21-year-old set for a departure from his boyhood club where he graduated through the La Masia academy setup.
Last month, Puig was accused by his manager Ronald Koeman of leaking information from within the Barcelona camp, which has been interpreted as a move by the Dutchman to force Puig out.
He has been involved in the majority of matchday squads this season, but seen a total of four minutes off the bench in La Liga and three sub appearances in the Champions League. These European minutes came at the end of Barcelona's Group Stage campaign in inconsequential fixtures following Los Cules' qualification for the knockout rounds.
It is clear Puig is not favoured, or trusted, by Koeman meaning it is unlikely he will extend his stay in Catalunya beyond this summer. A switch to a fellow Spanish club remains most likely given Puig's languid, ball-dominant playing style, but should Leeds United's interest be valid, it could represent an exciting alternative for the youngster.
Barcelona do retain the option to extend Puig's contract by two additional years, but while the club's presidential elections take precedence and Koeman remains at the helm, Puig could definitely slip through the cracks.
From 1st January 2021, the 21-year-old is free to negotiate his future with other clubs outside of Spain, to settle upon a pre-contract agreement for the summer.
Leeds United could certainly be one of those clubs, although they may need to verify that Puig would qualify under the new workplace rulings on overseas players.
Given his status as a first-team player at a Champions League club, Puig should have little problem signing for an English club as per the new regulations.
Anyone who has observed Puig over the past season-and-a-half can see he is prepared for first-team football at a good level, it is merely a lack of opportunities which is stunting his development as a footballer.
There had been suggestions that Leeds may pursue a loan deal with a view to a permanent move, but injury to Philippe Coutinho could mean Puig is needed at Camp Nou in reserve.
In terms of style, Puig is closest to a Pablo Hernandez-type player; slight and ineffectual in physical battles, but possesses a rare quality when it comes to picking out a teammate. His composure on the ball, even in deep areas under pressure is admirable and it has been a surprise to many that he has not been afforded his breakthrough yet at Barcelona.
Consequently, a pre-contract agreement with another side who may appreciate his mercurial abilities could well be high on Riqui Puig's agenda for 2021.
