Ronald Koeman has confirmed FC Barcelona need a new center-back and hope to sign Manchester City’s Eric Garcia to fill that void.
Rumors have grown stronger in recent weeks regarding a potential return to Barcelona for Garcia. The 19-year-old was a member of the club’s famed La Masia academy before joining Manchester City in 2017.
His future has been thrown into widespread doubt since Pep Guardiola confirmed he rejected a new contract at the Etihad Stadium in August, with his current deal to expire on June 2021.
Garcia’s potential availability has naturally stirred interest in Barcelona, who need more cover for center-backs Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet. Especially as Samuel Umtiti continues to be hampered with injury problems.
“The window is open until Monday and we want to have this player [Garcia] because right now we have three or four center-backs and are a bit light in that position,” said Barcelona boss Koeman as quoted on Marca.
“I’ve seen what Pep Guardiola has said at Manchester City and hopefully we can bring him in.
“We know that economically it’s a bit complicated.
“We’re interested, but I don’t know if we’ll get him.”
Reports in the Spanish press claim City are holding out for €30m despite the risk of Garcia leaving next summer as a free agent.
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