Gerard Pique’s long-term injury will force Barcelona to dive into the transfer market and step up their interest in Manchester City’s Eric Garcia.
Eric Garcia was Barcelona’s top defensive target last summer, but a lack of funds saw the Catalan side fail to materialize the deal then.
Indeed, multiple attempts from the Spanish side fell flat, with Manchester City demanding north of £18 million offered by the La Liga powerhouse.
The player himself was determined to secure a return to Camp Nou, refusing several City’s bids to lure him into signing a contract extension. Garcia has less than 12 months left on his deal at the Etihad and will be able to leave for free next summer.
Former Barca youth academy member could, however, return to base this winter in the wake of Pique’s injury. The 33-year-old Spaniard has picked up a nasty cruciate knee ligament injury and is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
According to Goal, Barcelona will prioritize a move for Garcia at the expense of Lyon’s Memphis Depay, who is also one of Ronald Koeman’s targets.
The Netherlands international was keen on joining the Catalan outfit in the summer, but the financial incapacity prevented Barca from pulling off the deal.
Yet, former Manchester United flop is ready to run down his contract in France in order to link up with his compatriot in Spain next summer.
For the time being, Koeman’s eyes are peeled for defensive reinforcements that will be very much needed in January.
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