Real Betis, Ajax tried for Barcelona’s Riqui Puig

Real Betis, Eibar and Ajax were among the clubs to fail to secure a loan deal for Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig, according to reports.

The central midfielder has not featured for the Blaugrana this season and Estadio Deportivo cite El Mundo Deportivo in claiming the trio, along with Real Zaragoza, unsuccessfully attempted to land him this summer.

The 20-year-old made three senior appearances for the Catalan giants last season and is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents to come through their La Masia academy in years.

Puig made his La Liga debut on 13 April 2019, starting in a 0–0 draw against Huesca, and played 67 minutes, before starting in a 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo in May.

The midfielder made his senior team debut with first team against Cultural Leonesa in a 4–1 home victory in the Copa Del Rey in December, as he came on in the 55th minute and assisted the fourth goal. He described his debut as 'a dream come true'.

Amid reports he could be loaned out this summer, Puig told reporters in April: “My only intention is to stay here, at my team and the team of my parents.

“My idea is to keep playing for Barca B and work for opportunities in the first-team and I am sure that they will arrive if I keep at my level.”

In May, he added: “I will not go on loan. As my father says, it is cold outside Barcelona and you cannot leave here unless you are kicked out.”

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