{"id":567879,"date":"2020-10-01T10:23:40","date_gmt":"2020-10-01T14:23:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=567879"},"modified":"2020-10-01T10:23:40","modified_gmt":"2020-10-01T14:23:40","slug":"report-barcelona-in-talks-with-manchester-city-for-eric-garcia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/10\/01\/report-barcelona-in-talks-with-manchester-city-for-eric-garcia\/","title":{"rendered":"REPORT: Barcelona in Talks With Manchester City for Eric Garcia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Barcelona<\/a> are in talks with Manchester City<\/a> over a deal for centre-back Eric Garcia, according to Fabrizio Romano<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The 19-year-old is keen on a return to the Catalan giants and has reportedly turned down two moves already.<\/p>\n

Barcelona Looking to Seal Move for Manchester City Centre-Back Eric Garcia<\/h2>\n

Desperate for Return<\/h3>\n

Garcia joined Manchester City from Barcelona in 2017 after starting his career in Barca’s La Masia academy.<\/p>\n

The Spaniard has been slowly embedded into the first-team by Pep Guardiola, as the City boss does not want to rush his development.<\/p>\n

After making his debut midway through the 2018\/19 season, Garcia made only two more appearances in the rest of the campaign, both of which came in cup competitions.<\/p>\n

However, Garcia then started to develop last season. He made 20 appearances in all competitions, and was arguably the first-choice defender towards the end of the season.<\/p>\n

However, the 19-year-old has expressed a desire to return to the Nou Camp. Pep Guardiola confirmed in August that Garcia would not be extending his contract and wanted to leave the Etihad Stadium.<\/p>\n

As a result, talks have been taking place between the two clubs ever since. According to Romano, two options remain on the table. Garcia could either join the La Liga giants for a fee in this window, or an agreement could be struck that could allow him to leave for free next summer.<\/p>\n

How Would Eric Garcia Fit in at Barcelona?<\/h3>\n

In similar fashion to his move to Manchester, Garcia would be slowly integrated into the first-team.<\/p>\n

The 19-year-old is likely to be a direct replacement for Gerard Pique, who at the age of 33, is edging close to retirement.<\/p>\n

As a result, Barcelona are seeking a replacement earlier on, so they do not struggle when they do have to replace Pique. Garcia is a ball-playing centre-back, and is already used to the pressure of Champions League football.<\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>