A deal between FC Barcelona and Manchester City could finally be materialised over the transfer of Eric Garcia in the coming weeks if a report by Spanish publication Sport is to be believed. The deal would see the young Spaniard to make a return to his boyhood club.
It is understood that the Manchester-based club have agreed to reduce their valuation on Garcia keeping in mind the fact that he runs of out contract by June, post which Garcia will be allowed to leave the doors at the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer.
Barcelona have consequently decided to fasten their approach to sign the defender. The Catalan giants were willing to wait until June earlier. However, there is a major obstacle in the bid to sign the 20-year-old Spaniard. Barcelona will be holding Presidential elections later this month and it all hinges on the approval of the chosen President. The 4th Official summarises the transfer situation thus far –
The Board Situation at Barcelona
Although the transfer requires the approval of the incoming President, it is difficult to understand as to why the new President would decline the acquisition worth only £8.9 million. The transfer would be an ideal bargain for the Blaugrana as Eric Garcia could turn out to be a long term replacement for the ageing Gerard Pique. Barcelona, in recent years, have spent lavishly on purchases which have not delivered like Antoine Griezmann, Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele. Purchase of this marginal an amount should not pinch the club especially with the promise shown by the youngster.
Eric Garcia’s Situation
The youngster has played a disappointing 200 minutes this season and would certainly be wanting to play more minutes. The arrival of Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias in the summer made Garcia’s situation at Manchester City from bad to worse.
If a move to Barcelona materialises, Garcia would be able to fully exploit FC Barcelona’s defensive situation where B Team players like Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza are being given a run in the absence of Gerard Pique. Ultimately Garcia is seen as the heir to Pique at Camp Nou by several pundits.
Other Suitors
Eric Garcia is a hot property in the European football scene with the player also being wanted by Liverpool, as claimed by Sport. Barcelona nevertheless will have the upper hand if any deal is to be struck regarding Garcia due to his La Masia links from the past. The player has been on FC Barcelona’s radar ever since he burst onto the scene at Manchester City and it will be interesting to see if they would allow another club to secure his signature before them.
