According to a recent print edition by Sport (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Manchester City defender Eric Garcia is keen on a return to Barcelona this summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Spanish defender is hoping that the Citizens will allow him to leave this summer or else wait until his contract at the Etihad Stadium runs out at the end of next season.
Garcia’s Incredible Rise At The Etihad Stadium This Season
Garcia has enjoyed a meteoric rise at the north-west of England after he managed to break out as a first-team starter for the Mancunian giants this season. He has made 19 senior appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side this term, picking up one assist and one yellow card across all competitions.
More importantly, the Spanish youngster has done well to average 0.6 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 2.5 clearances per game in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League this season. He has also been fantastic when passing the ball after completing 93.1% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Garcia has also represented Spain at various youth levels but is yet to make a senior appearance for his country. Maybe a return to his homeland this summer could give him the ideal platform to prove his worth and stake a claim in Spain boss Luis Enrique’s squad for next summer’s UEFA European Championship finals.
What Does The Spanish Prospect Bring To The Table?
Garcia is a moderately paced defender and can make a few lung-bursting recovering runs at the back. He has proven himself to be a reliable ball-playing centre-back over the past 12 months as he can pull off some crucial interceptions and last-gasp clearances for his side. However, the Spaniard still has a lot to learn before he is ready to feature at the highest level week in week out.
Should Guardiola Sanction Garcia’s Exit This Summer?
Garcia has undeniably been a useful asset in Pep Guardiola’s squad this summer and could be in line to get a start against Real Madrid in the second-leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie later this month. At 19, the Spanish whizkid has remarkable potential and could become a future star in European football if he can continue improving his overall game with each season.
With all things considered, Guardiola cannot afford to lose a centre-back of Garcia’s potential as he doesn’t have too many reliable options in the defensive department. Hence Man City should try and keep him for at least another season with the hope that they can change the defender’s mind about penning a new contract.
