Misfit Barcelona midfielder is a transfer priority for new Valencia coach

Barcelona may have found a way to offload out-of-favour midfielder Riqui Puig this summer, with La Liga rivals Valencia emerging as a suitor, reports SPORT.

Valencia are going through a sea of changes, as owner Peter Lim recently fired Anil Murthy from the post of the club president and is now set to appoint a new manager.

Jose Bordalas has been relieved of his duties and former AC Milan and Napoli boss Gennaro Gattuso is now poised to take over, with the Italian legend already in Singapore to sign a contract to take over as the manager of Los Che.

Gattuso’s appointment comes due to a recommendation from super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has close ties with Valencia. And the Italian tactician is already chalking out plans for the summer transfer window as he looks to make tweaks to the squad.

And as per the report, Gattuso wants to add Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig to his roster at the Mestalla before the next season kicks off.

The 22-year-old La Masia graduate has seen his development stagnate over the past couple of seasons due to a lack of regular game-time at Barça. This past campaign, the Spaniard played just 18 times in all competitions, of which only two were starts in La Liga.

Puig has always been reluctant to leave Barcelona despite there being multiple offers in the past. However, according to SPORT, he has spoken to manager Xavi Hernandez and has understood that he will only have a minimal role in the squad, which could compel him to move on.

And despite Valencia’s struggles, a move to the Mestalla could appeal to the 22-year-old, considering that Los Che are still an important institution in Spanish football.

Valencia and Barcelona have good working relationship, thanks to Jorge Mendes, who could help facilitate the transfer of Puig if Gattuso presses for his signing this summer.