Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/NHLI via Getty Images

LA Galaxy Star Riqui Puig Spotted Talking with Spanish Club Officials

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Dec 12, 2025 4:12 PM ET

Los Angeles Galaxy star player Riqui Puig was seen in a Spanish soccer stadium talking with representatives of a club from his native country.

On Friday, Dec. 12, the stands of the Reino de Leon Stadium witnessed a curious scene. Puig, 26, was present, watching from a box the match between Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa and SD Huesca, of the Spanish second division.

According to Heraldo de Leon, the Catalan midfielder was seen conversing "animatedly" with different representatives of the local club, Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa.

"The soccer player, 25 (he is actually 26), was seen conversing animatedly in the box with different representatives of the club, in addition to greeting the Leon artist Dani Martinez," reads the outlet.

The same report invites speculation, as it mentions that Puig's visit draws attention, especially just days before the winter transfer window opens in January.

"His presence drew attention at a particularly sensitive time for clubs, with the winter market about to open and with the usual round of rumors about moves and loans," they wrote.

Riqui Puig #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy in the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park on November 30, 2024, in Carson, California.Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Riqui Puig Closer Than Ever to Returning to LA Galaxy

Puig was the most important player for the LA Galaxy that season and, for some, the league MVP, despite that recognition going to Lionel Messi.

A torn ligament kept the Catalan off the field for the entire 2025 season, which just ended, but a very hopeful update emerged on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Puig shared an Instagram story in which he is seen training intensely on his own. A sign that his return is closer than ever.

“We’re already starting the reintegration of Riqui in our group in training, and you can already sense a different momentum in the group in a different way of how he impacts the game,” Vanney said, via Los Angeles Daily News. “He’s such a unique player and how he impacts the game.”

Vanney also made it clear that he expects Puig to be fully involved in the 2026 training camp before the start of the next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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