Ronald Koeman tells Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig to find a new club

Barcelona appointed Ronald Koeman as new manager

The Spanish U-21 midfielder is reportedly not in the plans of Ronald Koeman.

Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig is said to be not in the plans of manager Ronald Koeman.

According to reports, Ronald Koeman has requested the young midfielder to find a new club as the Dutch gaffer doesn’t see him in his plans.

The decision comes as a complete surprise when Puig is destined to become a full-time player for the first-team.

The 21-year-old made his breakthrough last season, making 15 appearances in La Liga.

Puig became a fan-favourite with his immediate impact, eventually drawing comparisons with legendary Barcelona midfielders.

Koeman looks to be favouring the 4-2-3-1 formation strongly and thinks Puig doesn’t have a place in such a set-up.

Furthermore, Philippe Coutinho is seemingly higher in the pecking order of the Dutchman while Frenkie de Jong has also been deemed untouchable in the midfield.

Following Barca’s win in the Gamper trophy against Elche, Koeman opened about his decision on Puig.

“It’s not true that [Riqui Puig] is not in our plans. I spoke to him yesterday. I speak to the young players – they have to play. They can’t not be playing.”

“Him, [Carles] Alena, Pedri…I’ve told them that it’s difficult for them and there’s lots of competition. Nothing more.”

“I’ve told [Riqui Puig] that he has a future here, but it depends on the player. I’d recommend that he went out on loan. At 20 years of age, the young players have to play. They can’t get stuck for a period of time.”

The decision to leave Puig behind is considered by many as the not the best from the Dutch manager.

It remains to be seen whether the midfielder would stick around as his contract with the Blaugrana expires next summer.