In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo has revealed that Barcelona are hoping to announce the signing of Manchester City defender Eric Garcia in January after agreeing to recruit the player when he becomes a free agent at the end of this campaign. However, the Catalans are also pushing hard to bring the Spanish prospect back to the Nou Camp next month so that he can ease their defensive concerns this season (via Mundo Deportivo).
Garcia’s Lacklustre Campaign In English Football
Garcia has endured a frustrating season at the Etihad Stadium and is currently out of action with a leg injury. He has struggled to earn regular game time under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage after falling behind Ruben Dias, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake in the Man City pecking order.
The Barcelona-born defensive ace has been involved in seven matches for the Mancunian outfit this term, picking up one yellow card in the process across multiple competitions. Despite his lack of game time, he has caught the eye by averaging 1.7 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per game in the Premier League this season. The 19-year-old has been remarkably accurate when distributing possession out from the back as he has made 95% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
It seems like Garcia is surplus to requirements at Man City right now. With his current contract set to run out next summer, it makes sense for the Spaniard to seal a move back to his former club Barcelona in search of more playing minutes in the second half of this campaign.
What Are The Spanish Youngster’s Best Attributes?
Garcia can time his challenges well and can make some important interceptions for his team. Standing at 1.83m, he can use his strong frame to overpower the opposition and win a few crucial headers for his team.
The four-time Spanish international is also an exceptional passer of the ball as he hardly gives away possession when attempting to play his way out of defence. However, he has been quite injury-prone this season, so there are some concerns over whether he will show a clean bill of health in the coming years.
Barca Could Announce Garcia’s Signing In January: Good Move For Koeman?
Now that the Catalan giants are preparing themselves for Garcia’s arrival next summer, Ronald Koeman would be wise to make a cheeky move to sign the player in January so that he can ease some of Barca’s defensive anxieties which have been brought about by the long-term injury to Gerard Pique.
Koeman needs a reliable presence in his defence, so Garcia fits the bill perfectly and knows the club from inside out having played for them as a youth player before being shipped out to Manchester. The Spaniard will enhance the overall depth of Barca’s defensive department and could increase competition for places within their squad. All in all, signing Garcia either in January or next summer would be a decent move for the Catalans as he has the potential to become a major name in Spanish football someday.
