Out-of-favour Barcelona midfielder will decide his future in two months

Barcelona have a quality midfield department that boasts of world-class players like Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, along with up and coming prospects like Gavi and Nico Gonzalez, who are enjoying fine breakthrough campaigns.

In addition to that, Barcelona are also set to add Franck Kessie to their roster next season after agreeing a deal to sign the AC Milan midfielder on a free transfer.

It leaves a certain Riqui Puig, who is already struggling for minutes, in an even more difficult situation at Camp Nou. The 22-year-old La Masia graduate has found it hard to carve out a place for himself in the first-team setup for Barça.

The Spanish midfielder made his debut under Ernesto Valverde but never really got going under the ex-Athletic Club boss or any of his successors, i.e., Quique Setien and Ronald Koeman. Things have failed to improve under Xavi Hernandez either, with Puig just featuring 14 times this term.

And, MARCA reports that the arrival of Kessie will put his future at Barcelona in further doubt. It means an exit is likely to be on the cards come summer. But Puig will not take a call on his next step immediately and will wait for the next two months to assess his options.

The La Masia ace has been reluctant to leave the club previously and has always wanted to prove himself at Camp Nou. But with competition for places set to get more intense, it could be the right time for the youngster to consider a parting of ways.

However, the report mentions that Puig will not be rushed into things. The 22-year-old will focus on completing the season over the next two months and then sit down with the club to discuss his situation.

Puig’s contract with Barcelona runs until the summer of 2023. The upcoming summer window will provide the club with an opportunity to cash in on him and get a decent fee. Whether that is the route they take or decide to hand him another shot to come good next term remains to be seen.