Leeds United have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of the Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig.
According to a recent report by The Express, the 22-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by Xavi, with the central midfielder expected to be made available on a cut-price deal in the summer transfer window.
The report goes on to state that this will come as a huge boost to Victor Orta and the Whites, with the Spanish sporting director believed to hold a long-standing interest in the former Spain U21 international.
Gundogan 2.0
Considering just how exciting a talent Puig quite clearly is, the argument that Orta simply must make a move to bring the playmaker to Elland Road in the summer transfer window is a rather easy one to make.
Do you think Riqui Puig would be a good signing for £8.5m?
Indeed, according to FBref data, the 22-year-old ranks in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 2% for passes completed, the top 5% for progressive carries, the top 10% for touches in the opposition penalty area, the top 4% for progressive passes received and the top 29% for dribbles completed over the last 365 days.
The £64k-per-week Spaniard also ranks in the top 10% for non-penalty goals per 90, in addition to the top 18% for npxG, the top 12% for shots and the top 4% for shot-creating actions over the last 12 months.
These metrics see FBref compare the player who Quique Setien dubbed an “extraordinary” talent to a number of the most prestigious midfielders in European football, such as Manchester City duo Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, Barca pair Pedri and Frenkie de Jong and the in-demand Lens talent Seko Fofana.
As such, should the La Masia graduate indeed be available for a reported €10m (£8.5m) fee this summer, Orta simply must make a move for the Barca starlet, as Puig could end up being Jesse Marsch’s own Gundogan at Leeds next season.
AND in other news: Marsch could land the next £48m talent as Leeds now plot bid for “elite” 23 y/o target
