Transfer Rumors: PSG Are Preparing To Hijack $12M Defender Who Is Barcelona’s Top Target

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly preparing to hijack FC Barcelona’s target defender Eric Garcia from Manchester City.

Garcia’s current deal with Manchester City is due to expire in June. The talented defender will be available this month, provided the Premier League club receives a suitable offer in the ongoing January transfer market. With Barcelona delaying their move for Garcia, PSG may be willing to meet City’s demands of $6 million-plus another $6 million in variables, as reported by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.

Garcia’s move to PSG would be a major blow for Ronald Koeman, who has been desperate to add the 20-year-old in his squad since the summer. With the prevailing financial problems, it has been impossible for the Catalans to agree on a fee with City so far. Moreover, with no president in place, the club is unable to sanction a move for Garcia, who had kickstarted his professional soccer career at Barcelona’s La Masia Academy in 2008. He then switched to Manchester City academy and has since become a first-team player for the Premier League club.

By no means is he a regular starter. While City boss Pep Guardiola would like the young defender to stay in Manchester, it seems unlikely he will. It is believed that Garcia has decided to return to his boyhood club in Barcelona. The Spanish report has also stated that if PSG swoop in with a firm move before Jan. 31, it would certainly leave both City and Barcelona in disappointment.

On the other hand, European soccer’s transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has tweeted that Garcia’s move to Barcelona is "done deal." stating that the Spanish defender is set to come back to Camp Nou as a free agent at the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

"Eric Garcia from Manchester City to Barcelona is a 'done deal' for June 2021 - confirmed also by club sources today," wrote Romano on his official Twitter account.

Garcia, who made his senior debut in 2018, has so far represented Manchester City in 30 competitive matches, including 16 appearances in the Premier League.