FC Barcelona are reportedly closing in on the capture of Manchester City and former La Masia talent Eric Garcia on a free transfer this summer.
According to Catalunya Radio, FC Barcelona have moved one step closer towards securing the services of Eric Garcia. The transfer could even be completed in a “matter of days”, with Joan Laporta ready to announce the deal.
The Manchester City starlet has long been linked with a move to Barcelona, in search of a career revival after falling behind the likes of Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones in the pecking order in the ongoing campaign.
Garcia joined Manchester City from the famed La Masia youth academy in the hope of making a breakthrough under Pep Guardiola. While the youngster did make an impact during the back end of last season, things have gone sour in the ongoing campaign, with the defender being restricted to just four appearances in the Premier League.
A return to Barcelona, therefore, makes sense from the player’s perspective, knowing that the Catalans will be able to offer more game-time. Ronald Koeman is already keen on signing new defenders as he looks to find a long-term replacement for the ageing Gerard Pique while Clement Lenglet has struggled this season.
Garcia, in that regard, could be an ideal option for multiple reasons. From a financial perspective, his expiring contract means the defender will be available for free, ideally meeting the club’s agenda of signing free agents this summer. Barcelona have already been linked with moves for Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay.
Perhaps more importantly, though, the young Manchester City starlet is well accustomed to Barcelona’s style of play, having spent numerous years at La Masia. He should, therefore, find no problems settling in quickly at the club and could proceed to become the face of the club’s defensive unit, alongside another highly talented centre-back in Ronald Araujo this season.
The Catalans, however, may still have to buy an additional defender, who can offer the experience to go with the talent of these two individuals. Ibrahima Konate is among players linked with a move to Catalonia in the summer, so it is hardly surprising why the club is reportedly keen on offloading fringe players like Sergi Roberto in the summer.
As for Manchester City, the departure of Garcia is unlikely to faze them, although the club could certainly consider making a move for yet another highly-rated defensive talent in the upcoming summer transfer window.