Barcelona’s Riqui Puig set to join LA Galaxy on 3-year deal

Riqui Puig, a 22-year-old midfielder from Barcelona, has joined the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Puig was not included in Barcelona coach Xavi’s preseason squad because he had fallen out of favor, and the club has now let him leave for free.

Puig was once a highly regarded prospect after joining Barcelona’s youth system in 2013. In 2018, he made his senior team debut as a substitute in a 4-1 win over Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey Round of 32.

He would go on to make 60 appearances for the club, scoring two goals and assisting on ten occasions.

Puig has agreed to a three-and-a-half-year contract with LA Galaxy that includes a buy-back clause and a 50% sell-on fee.

‘We are delighted to welcome Riqui to the LA Galaxy,’ said club president Greg Vanney on Thursday.

‘Riqui is an extremely technical and well-educated player with a wealth of experience for his age. He’ll fit right in with our team and style of play.’

Puig had been linked to several European clubs, but reportedly agreed to join the Galaxy after being persuaded by former Barcelona teammate Victor Vazquez.

With 22 points and a 9-10-3 record, the LA Galaxy is currently ninth in the MLS Western Conference.

The Galaxy also announced the transfer of midfielder Rayan Raveloson to Ligue 1 team AJ Auxerre to make room on the roster for Puig.