Spanish teenager Eric Garcia was a true revelation for Manchester City late in the season, stepping in the club’s shaky back four and delivering some respectable performances. And this made many label Garcia as the future of City’s defense, this likely won’t be the case.
According to City’s head coach Pep Guardiola, Garcia, who has one year left on his deal with the club, recently rejected an extension with the club.
“He announced to us that he doesn’t want to extend his contract with Manchester City,” said Guardiola during a press conference. “He has one more year, and after that, he doesn’t want to extend. We want it but he doesn’t want to extend it so I imagine he wants to play in other places.”
Reportedly, Garcia’s decision to reject the contract from City has to do with the interest from Barcelona. La Liga side made him one of their top targets this summer, and the 19-year-old is keen to return to the club where he started his youth career.
It is believed that City is now asking Barca for around $35 million for the youngster. If the Spanish club doesn’t meet this price, the Premier League side is willing to let Garcia’s contract run out.
Eric Garcia was a member of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy since 2008 but decided to move to City in 2017. He received his pro debut in England during the 2018/19 season when he made three appearances in EFL Cup. This season, Garcia played 19 games in all competitions including 13 in Premier League.
