Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is hopeful of ‘seducing’ Eric Garcia into extending his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Garcia has less than 12 months left on his contract at Manchester City and has been reluctant to put pen to paper on a new deal so far.
Instead, the 19-year-old defender seems hell-bent on securing a return to his boyhood club Barcelona. The Catalans were interested in bringing the youngster back to Camp Nou in the summer.
Although the Sky Blues refused to sell the highly-rated center-back, they will be powerless to prevent him from re-joining Barca next year.
However, Pep Guardiola is still hopeful of being able to convince Eric Garcia to pledge his long-term future to the Manchester City colors.
“I know he wanted to leave, but he’s going to stay, and maybe we can seduce him in this year to extend the contract with us,” Guardiola told The Independent.
“He’s a guy who is so stable in many things, and we’re so happy.”
The Spanish manager fielded Garcia from the first minute in City’s opening Champions League match against Porto on Wednesday.
Guardiola will not be able to count on make-shift center-back Fernandinho for up to six weeks. The Brazilian picked up an injury during last night’s clash.
Aymeric Laporte, who has been struggling with a physical setback lately, will return to training this week.
Nathan Ake has also been dealing with a groin issue.
With three of his defensive options trying to return to full fitness, Guardiola may have to rely on Garcia more often.
The talented central defender should be partnering with Ruben Dias when Manchester City tackle in-form West Ham United in the Premier League this weekend.
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