Barcelona may still fight to keep hold of midfielder Riqui Puig amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
According to Catalan newspaper SPORT, Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has demanded that the club keep hold of midfielder Riqui Puig amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Puig, 18, was born in Catalunya and has come up through the ranks with Barca, emerging as a top young prospect from the famed La Masia ranks.
The playmaker has made three appearances for the Barcelona B team having starred for the club’s Juvenil A side, and he has been touted for stardom.
However, Puig’s contract expires this summer, and reports from SPORT on Friday claimed that Puig is edging towards leaving Barca having been left underwhelmed by an offers on the table, and could instead head to Tottenham Hotspur.
Now though, SPORT have offered an update, claiming that Barca boss Ernesto Valverde has given orders to the club to secure Puig’s future, and is trying everything to stop the teenager from leaving.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is understood to ‘love’ Puig’s ability and wants to lure him to North London, potentially showing him a path to the first team that may not be available at Barcelona.
Yet, with Valverde now taking the time to focus on Puig’s future, the youngster may have a real decision to make; whether to stay with his boyhood club or pursue stardom in the Premier League.
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