Girona will reportedly look to retain the services of 23-year-old Barcelona defender Eric Garcia on another season-long loan deal.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Eric Garcia is the subject of interest from Girona. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a solid 2023/24 campaign on loan at the Catalan club. And the White and Reds want to sign him from Barcelona on another season-long deal in the summer transfer window.
Eric Garcia at Barcelona: Not meant to be?
Eric Garcia has had two frustrating stints with Barcelona thus far in his career. The Spaniard is a native of Barcelona and spent most of his formative years with the Blaugrana. However, after rising through the ranks at La Masia, he finished his youth career at Manchester City, joining the Premier League club in July 2017.
The 23-year-old seemed destined to be a long-term solution at the heart of the Manchester City defence, with Pep Guardiola being a fan of his talent. However, Garcia departed from the Etihad as a free agent in July 2021 to complete his dream move to Barcelona. But the transfer has not gone as planned for the player.
The Spanish international began his second spell with Barcelona with aplomb, becoming a regular in his debut season. However, Garcia’s stock steadily fell after a decent start, and he became a bit-part player as the 2022/23 season ended. So, it was hardly surprising when Barcelona loaned him out to Girona last summer.
How has Garcia fared at Girona?
The Spanish defender has been a regular for Girona this season, turning out 29 times thus far while chipping in with three goals. The White and Reds have outperformed Barcelona this term, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, with Eric Garcia playing his part in clinching a top-four finish.
So, it is hardly surprising that Girona will look to secure Eric Garcia’s services on another loan deal in the summer transfer window. However, recent reports have claimed that Barcelona might prefer to cash in on the 23-year-old Spaniard in the summer transfer window.
What next?
Xavi Hernandez has recently sung a different tune, insisting he appreciates Garcia and that the Spanish international left Barcelona on loan without his green light for the move. So, it will be interesting to see if the Catalan giants cash in on Garcia this summer or if Girona can land him on loan. Xavi might want to keep the player in his squad.
