LA Galaxy has reached a verbal agreement to acquire shunned Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig, according to reports.
The Spanish side has been trying to offload Puig throughout the summer and LA Galaxy could finally provide a route away from the Nou Camp for the youngster, with the signing reportedly expected to be confirmed this evening.
The 22-year-old only made 14 appearances in LaLiga last season and Blaugrana boss Xavi has made it clear Puig does not feature in his plans for the coming campaign.
LA Galaxy has reached a verbal agreement to acquire shunned Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig
Barcelona is said to have informed the player it is considering extending his contract for one season in order to loan him out, according to Spanish outlet AS.
With Puig’s future at the Nou Camp looking bleak, he could look to join a team where he is guaranteed minutes to continue developing.
Some Serie A side were reported to be interested in a move for the young Spaniard but Barcelona has not received any formal offers.
The 22-year-old does not feature in Blaugrana manager Xavi’s plans for the coming season
However, the MLS could now provide an escape for Puig as LA Galaxy is said to have made a move for him.
The report adds that both clubs and the player have reached a verbal agreement over a loan spell for Puig.
He is reportedly expected to join LA Galaxy on loan for the remainder of the 2022 campaign but a formal deal will have to be reached soon as the MLS registration ends on August 4.
The Barcelona academy product’s move could easily be squeezed through before the deadline thanks to the Catalan giants’ relationship with the MLS club.
The Spaniard is expected to join LA Galaxy on loan for the remainder of the 2022 MLS season
Barcelona and LA Galaxy are said to have first developed a relationship when the American club first tried to sign Sergi Roberto earlier this year.
Although the 30-year-old remained in Barcelona, the two sides have since been in constant communication and have discussed potential transfers for players who do not see a lot of minutes at the Nou Camp, adds the report from AS.
According to various reports, Puig is one of seven players, including Neto, Samuel Umtiti, Martin Braithwaite and Memphis Depay, that Xavi could look to offload this summer as the manager looks to rebuild his side.
Xavi has been eager to bring in reinforcements ahead of the new campaign but he recognizes the importance of selling players before pursuing any new transfer targets due to the financial circumstances at the club.
The Barcelona boss has already dismissed a host of players this summer as he looks to overhaul the Barcelona squad ahead of the upcoming season.
Philippe Coutinho has sealed a permanent switch to Aston Villa for about £17million after successful talks between the Premier League club and Barcelona.
Clement Lenglet joined Tottenham on loan from Barcelona after making more than 100 appearances for the Catalan giants.
Barcelona also parted ways with Dani Alves for a second time after he returned to Nou Camp in December last year and played 17 games.
