The amount of pressure that Ronald Koeman was under when he took the Barcelona job is not a matter of joke. The Dutch tactician has since managed to reverse his perception among Barcelona fans following some decent performances from the team.
However, that could soon change considering that Riqui Puig is among the six players deemed surplus to requirements by the man in charge at Camp Nou.
Barcelona fans are some of the most passionate supporters in the world and are also quick to criticise flaws. Puig has managed to build a reputation among the fans as a wonderkid and is the future of the Barcelona midfield in the eyes of many.
Puig was supposed to be sent out on loan to get some well-needed game time but decided to stay at his boyhood club and fight the likes of Frenkie De Jong, Sergio Busquets and Miralem Pjanic for minutes in the heart of the park.
The youngster has only featured once for the first team and has spent most of his time on the bench. In addition, Carles Alena is also not a part of Koeman’s plans for the club.
Junior Firpo, Samuel Umtiti, Matheus Fernandes and Martin Braithwaite are amongst the players who have been encouraged to move on by the coach.
The club will be intending to sanction transfers for all the players. However, they would be wise to send Alena and Puig on loan to another team so that they can develop their game.
Should they sell the pair, the inclusion of a buy-back clause could put Barcelona in an advantage if they turn out to be impressive elsewhere.
Samuel Umtiti has not featured under Koeman, and neither has Matheus Fernandes. It is imperative that the club will be looking to get rid of them, along with Junior Firpo, permanently.
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