Carles Puyol will not be staying on at Barcelona next season. The team captain has already made the decision, aware that his knee has not evolved as he would have liked.

The proof of this is that his inner circle has already begun to explore possible new destinations for the player. New York is one possibility - a city the 'Azulgrana' captain has always liked. Contact has been made with the city's two teams, New York City and the New York Red Bulls although, so far, things have not progressed beyond that of putting out feelers.

The rules of MLS

The problem he will have with both the US clubs is the fact that Major League Soccer (MLS ) legislation imposes strict regulations with regard to wages. The MLS only allows three players to be classified as 'designated players' i.e. those within a team with an uncapped salary. Typically these players are not defenders as the teams are looking to set themselves apart from others in their offensive line-up.

One of the issues Puyol will have to negotiate is the settlement of his contract. The captain has signed for Barça until June 2016 and his salary is about €10 million before tax per season. It would be a turn up for the books if the captain turns his back on so much money, even though he has always said that he would opt for a move to another club if he ever felt unable to maintain the competitive level necessary to stay at Barcelona.