Barcelona are reportedly eager to snap up Eric Garcia in the January transfer window and will make a move for him this winter.
According to a report by ESPN, Barcelona are hot on the trails of Eric Garcia over a possible move in the January transfer window. The La Liga heavyweights are set to table a fresh bid to Manchester City so as to bring the La Masia graduate back to Camp Nou this winter.
Eric Garcia joined Manchester City from Barcelona in the summer of 2017, seeking a quick path to first-team football. Even after making the switch to the Premier League giants, though, the young defender was gradually eased into the thick of things, making his debut midway through the 2018/19 season.
Since making his Manchester City debut, Garcia has amassed a further 26 outings for the Citizens, starting four games so far this season. However, the Citizens are in a precarious position pertaining to the future of the 19-year-old, who has informed the club that he will not be extending his current contract, which is set to expire next summer.
However, while Garcia has made his intentions clear, Pep Guardiola recently claimed that he hopes to “seduce” the player to extend his stay with Manchester City. His situation, though, has piqued the interest of Barcelona.
The Blaugrana had been keen on signing Garcia in the summer transfer window as well, only for the move to fail to materialise. The continued interest in the teenager, though, makes sense, with Gerard Pique, on the wrong side of 30, nearing the twilight of his career and Samuel Umtiti a liability due to his fitness woes.
That leaves Ronald Araujo and Clement Lenglet as the only other centre-backs at Ronald Koeman’s disposal. Garcia is, therefore, a viable target for Barcelona, who can have a long-term solution for their defence in the Manchester City centre-back.
The Catalans’ hopes of signing the 19-year-old have also been boosted with recent reports claiming that he is not interested in staying put at Manchester City. Barcelona are now set to make an attempt to sign Garcia in the January transfer window itself instead of waiting to swoop him away for free next summer.
ESPN have suggested that Barcelona will launch the offensive for Garcia this winter, subject to receiving the green light from the new president. The Spanish giants are, in fact, optimistic about securing a deal for the Manchester City contract rebel. However, it will be interesting to see if City are ready to part ways with him in January or if they are prepared to let him leave for free.
