The LA Galaxy has officially announced the transfer of 22-year-old Spanish midfielder Riqui Puig from FC Barcelona. Puig will be signed to a three-and-a-half-year contract through the end of the 2025 MLS regular season pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa.
Riqui is ready to shine in the City of Dreams ✨@RiquiPuig x #LAGalaxy pic.twitter.com/ivMSKwnsXi
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) August 4, 2022
The Galaxy has added two midfielders this window, with Puig joining Uruguayan midfielder Gaston Brugman. With these additions also came the departure of Rayan Ravelsoson, who was sold to AJ Auxerre in Ligue 1 for 1.78 million. The Galaxy acquired Ravelsoson on a free transfer and will make a profit on the player.
Like Raveloson, Puig comes to the LA Galaxy on a free transfer. The Blaugrana, however, reserves the right to repurchase the player and 50% on any future sale of the player.
“Riqui is a very technical and well-educated player with incredible experiences for his age. He will fit seamlessly into our group and style of play,” said LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney by way of press release.
"Riqui is a very talented player with a unique profile that brings something different to our squad,” said LA Galaxy technical director Jovan Kirovski in the same release.
Puig will now have the opportunity to get consistent playing time, something that he struggled to get with FC Barcelona. Leaked audios from February of this year revealed Puig mocking Ferran Torres’s lack of playtime at Manchester City and about offers from Chelsea and Milan on the table for him. Though there might be questions on his attitude from the episode, a change of scenery for the Spaniard could be what's needed to refresh his soccer career.
With the Galaxy in 9th place in the Western Conference, adding Puig could be the move that sparks a strong finish to the season and results in a postseason run.
