Barcelona’s Riqui Puig reject Qatar move

Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig has refused an opportunity to join Qatari club Al Sadd, managed by former Blaugrana captain Xavi Hernandez.

The midfielder is said to ‘have been flattered’ by the offer, but ‘politely declined’ the offer to move to the Middle East club on a loan deal, report El Mundo Deportivo.

The 19-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.”

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