Tottenham have missed out on signing Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig after he agreed fresh terms at the Nou Camp, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish news outlet claims that Spurs made a “strong offer” for Puig, 18, as his deal at Barca was due to expire in the coming weeks.
However in a major development, it is understood that the Spanish midfielder has decided to stay at the La Liga title-winners and snub the “powerful” offer that came from North London.
OPINION
Puig’s decision to stay at Barca will be a bit of a blow for Tottenham because it seems that they were very interested in signing up the teenage sensation. It’s a bit of a shock to see that Spurs tabled such a ‘strong’ offer for the midfielder, especially as he is yet to break into the Barcelona senior squad and Daniel Levy’s signing record. Puig would have been a bit of a risk to sign anyway, like any young player, and Spurs are better off putting more of their funds into strengthening their first team for next season. Mauricio Pochettino has had his new contract confirmed on Thursday and that could lead to more players being handed new deals at the club. Levy would surely rather use his resources on keeping hold of what he has already got rather than taking chances on untested teenagers. Puig may become something big in the future, but the chances are that he won’t.