Report: Barcelona could include La Masia gem in a swap deal with Italian giants

According to Calciomercato (relayed by Mundo Deportivo), Barcelona are looking to move Riqui Puig out in a swap deal that could potentially take place with either of two Italian giants, namely Inter or Juventus. The 21-year-old La Masia talent has not enjoyed a very positive campaign, having lost all prominence in Ronald Koeman’s selections.

The Dutch manager prefers different profiles in midfield, such as Pedri’s dexterity, control, maturity, and dynamism; or, Ilaix Moriba’s mobility, attacking threat, and physical dominance.

Riqui Puig’s more nimble frame and the agility-based game seem to be inadequate of the Dutchman’s preference. While the 21-year-old has several qualities such as the ability to drive the ball forward and change the pace of the game, there are perhaps a few shortcomings to his game.

The young Spaniard is a very energetic presence in midfield, almost always sparking the game to life whenever he is given a chance. With his daring carries and through balls, Puig is always capable of creating danger.

Nevertheless, his lack of balance and understanding of the pace of the game means there are several aspects left for Puig to develop before he can think of taking the spot of generational talent Pedri.

With a congested midfield filled with talents like Pedri, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, and Ilaix Moriba, the Spanish U21 is finding it hard to break into Koeman’s plans.

Therefore, Barcelona are open to swapping between Riqui Puig and either of Lautaro Martinez or Alessandro Bastoni from Inter. Meanwhile, the Blaugranas are considering Bernardeschi, Adrien Rabiot, Rodrigo Bentancur, or Aaron Ramsey in a swap deal with Juventus as well.

It remains to be seen whether the club will act according to these reports. Puig is still very young and has displayed talent in bagfuls in his few appearances for the club.

Laporta trusts Riqui Puig a lot, and believes that he's a huge part of the club's future.

— @albertlesan pic.twitter.com/3oKCUZ4Dz3

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 25, 2021

While it is difficult seeing the young starlet be benched all throughout this season, it is not realistic to expect any starts for him in the remaining five games. In fact, Koeman must stick to his strongest eleven for these last few games if he is to win the league; one which does not include Riqui Puig.

After the season is over, Koeman can review his options in pre-season and consider installing the young talent into his plans.

In the long term, it is never the strongest eleven that wins trophies, but the strongest squad. It cannot only be three midfielders upon whom the Dutchman will rely on for the whole season. Therefore, hope still remains for Puig in Barça, as it is likely he can break his way back into the squad next season with hard work and improvement.

With such difficult, congested fixture schedules, Koeman must seek to rely on such talents as Puig from next season on. While his Gala XI will do the trick (hopefully) in these next five games, it is not a sustainable plan going forward, and neither is ignoring such wonderful talent as Riqui Puig.