La Liga's Winter Transfer window closed on 3 February, and although much of the focus was on potential transfers with big money with Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid, Girona FC Eric Garcia hoped to return to the Estadi Montilivi, where he spent previous last Season on loan.
Girona caused a stir in La Liga last season, finished third in the table and qualified for the first time in the history of the club for the UEFA Champions League. Girona caused destruction on football betting apps, lost only once in the first 22 games and ended the season after beating Atletico Madrid with 4-3 and Barcelona with 4-2.
The BlanQuivermells finished four points behind Barcelona in the second and five points before the fourth placed Atletico Madrid. Garcia, on loan from Barcelona, was an integral part of a Girona defense that had admitted the fourth-fast goals during the 2023-24 campaign.
Currently in eighth place in La Liga and from the UEFA Champions League, Girona wanted to strengthen its ranks for the end of the transfer window. Garcia was seen as the perfect addition to Michel's team, although the Catalonia Club is confronted with stiff opposition from English Premier League teams for the signature of Garcia.
Girona's sports director, Quique Carcel, spoke earlier in January with Dazn reporters and confirmed the interest of his team in the 24-year-old Spanish international.
“In the summer he was a player we wanted to bring in, and now he participates in the games with Barca and he is doing pretty well. Our intention would be to try to bring him in, but that depends on the fact that Barca can put realistic circumstances for us. “
The conditions that Carcel mentioned are the asking price of Barcelona. Garcia's contract has a release clause of € 400 million, which will clearly never be reached and is more a symbolic gesture. Reports in Spain suggest that Girona has a hard limit of € 10 million in the transfer budget, which was clearly not sufficient to secure Garcia's service. It is understood that Barcelona was willing to keep a figure closer to € 25 million.
Garcia with Barcelona could turn out to be another stumbling block that Girona has to navigate if they want to bring Garcia back to their club. Barcelona -head coach Hansi Flick has chosen Garcia 20 times this season, including four performances in the Champions League. Flick, in his first season that is in charge of Camp Nou, would like to continue to get Garcia as an option.
'I don't think Eric Garcia will leave in the winter. He is ours for us and he is a good player. He is an intelligent player who can play in different positions. We are currently not thinking of his departure. '
Although Flick wants to keep Garcia in Camp Nou, the Catalan giants may have considered selling him to finance potential incoming transfers. The financial issues of Barcelona are known, but are reportedly to watch Manchester United and England Marcus Rashford to Spain on loan. Rashford was out of grace at Old Trafford, but moved to Aston Villa on loan instead.
If Girona tries again in the summer, they can be confronted with opposition for Garcia's signature of two English Premier League giants. Chelsea explores active center backs because it seems to strengthen its defensive options. The blues of Enzo Maresca have difficulty setting up on a regular central couples and Garcia as a player. The Stamford Bridge-Outfit can build its defense around.
However, Newcastle United is the most likely destination of Garcia when he leaves Spain and returns for a second spell in the Premier League. The magpies of Eddie Howe are set to welcome Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman through long -term injuries, but Garcia is an upgrade for those central defenders. In the meantime, there are questions about the long -term fitness of Dan Burn, who is now 32 years old.
In the summer, Newcastle did everything to seduce Crystal Palace to sell England International Marc Guehi to St. James' Park. They served a fourth and last bid worth £ 65 million, which Crystal Palace eventually rejected, giving Guehi in Selhurst Park.
Although Newcastle argues with profit and sustainability rules, they can be tempted in the summer if Barcelona allows Garcia to leave for a reimbursement of around € 25 million.
Garcia was part of Barcelona's famous La Masia from 2008 to 2017 when he moved to the youth arrangement of Manchester City. He broke in the first team of Manchester City during the 2018-19 season and made three performances in the League Cup.
Garcia made 20 games in all games the following season, followed by 12 in 2020-21. Garcia ended his last season as the first-choice partner of the city for Aymeric Laporte, but he rejected a contract extension, allowing him to leave for a free transfer.
Garcia signed a five -year contract with Barcelona on July 1, 2021 and made 32 performances during his first season in Spain. He appeared again 32 times during the 2022-23 season, but came out of favor when the 2023-24 campaign rolled around.
Girona drew Garcia on a season loan and he became an important player for the La Liga Minnows. Garcia played in the heart of the Girona defense in 30 LA Liga matches, scored five goals and helped the team finish third, all time for the club.
Garcia returned to Barcelona this season and Hansi Flick has used him 20 times so far, including 11 times in the competition. Flick used Garcia as a midfielder in the first place, but he also played in central defense and once right back.
The 24-year-old has been closed by Spain 19 times since he made his debut in 2020. He was admitted to the 24-man team of Luis Enrique for UEFA Euro 2020, but has not played for the Spanish national team since he was involved in a 3- 1 road victory against Jordan in November 2022.
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