Puig makes use of clause to extend Barça contract - Midfielder open to Arsenal loan?

“Every player can make a decision whether he wants to (leave) or not, but we give advice to a player who doesn’t play that often and who we won’t use that often,” FC Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman said at a press conference shortly before the turn of the year. Without naming the player specifically, the Dutchman was referring to Riqui Puig, who after a strong preseason only managed 78 minutes of action in the current campaign (4 in LaLiga). The player has now apparently made a decision – and wants to prevail in the long term under the 57-year-old.

Market Value

R. Puig Central Midfield

€12.00m

As reported by Barcelona-based newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the 21-year-old homegrown talent has extended his deal, which would have expired at the end of the season. In doing so, Puig took advantage of a clause in his contract, signed in 2018, which allowed him to unilaterally extend it until June 30, 2023. The Catalans had officially confirmed this option at the time – in addition, an exit clause of €100 million is included.

In the latest LaLiga market value update, the youth international was devalued for the second time in a row. After being valued at €25 million at the start of the season, Puig now stands at just €18 million – keeping him just inside the top 15 most valuable players from Barça’s academy.

FC Barcelona in “transitional year” - Puig open to Arsenal loan?

However, the extension by no means guarantees that Puig will remain at Barcelona this winter. According to reports, Puig, who has played for the Blaugrana since the age of 13, is still aiming to establish himself at the Spanish top club. In principle, however, the attacking midfielder is open to a loan, as he himself considers more match practice necessary. The Athletic had recently brought Arsenal into play as a potential destination, where head coach Mikel Arteta is pushing for a change after a mediocre first half of the season, with Norwich winger Emiliano Buendía being another January target.

Messi, Alaba & Co. These players would be out of contract in the summer Click here for overview According to the report, the reason for the patience of Puig, who could have chosen a location for a fresh start next summer, is mainly the belief that Barça are merely in a difficult “transition year”. As soon as the upcoming presidential elections are over and Lionel Messi’s future is clarified, the club will be in a much better position again, according to Puig’s opinion. This should also have a positive effect on his own situation then.

Ad: £1.7m+ paid in fantasy prizes at Footstock, 18+ UK Only