Barca Target Garcia But Transfer Deal Unlikely To Happen Until 2021

FC Barcelona is in a fragile state right now with Ronald Koeman trying to get things together. Lionel Messi is returning but there are other players told to look for other clubs. Hence, Koeman is skimming the market for new blood and Eric Garcia of Manchester City appears to be one of them.

According to Sport, Barca has made a $9.35 million bid for Garcia. That pitch is far from the asking price of City which is set at $47 million. But given that Garcia’s contract is set to expire in June 2021, the Sky Blues are willing to lower their asking price to make sure they do not end up empty.

From a numbers perspective, the Barca offer is not even half of what City is seeking. Hence, there is a possibility that this will be thumbed down with City likely to entertain offers from other clubs.

That said, it may all turn into a waiting game with the Sky Blues exploring all options. The good news is that even though he has refused to extend his contract with City, Garcia prefers to focus on the current season.

“It is true I have told the club I do not intend to extend my contract beyond 2021,” Garcia said to Marca. “But I will return to Manchester when I am finished on international duty with Spain, and I am focused on next season with City.”

It has not been a smooth time for Garcia under the watch of Pep Guardiola. He had his moments, one of which was partnering with Aymeric Laporte on defense. He started in the Champions League quarter-final defeat to Lyon, something most see as a move to convince him to agree to a new deal with City.

Garcia appeared in 22 matches for City across all competitions last season. With him on the defensive end, the Sky Blues lost just two out of 13 games.

For Koeman, bringing in Garcia makes sense as he tries to infuse youth and improve the defensive side. Unfortunately for him, an immediate deal holds low chances – unless City offers something better than the initial pitch they made.