Barcelona defender’s January exit appears unlikely due to two key reasons – report | OneFootball

Eric Garcia returned to Barcelona last summer after a successful loan spell at Girona. Such was his impact that before the transfer window closed, the Montilivi-based club tried to re-sign the defender.

However, injuries to Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Marc Bernal led Barça to block his departure. Additionally, Hansi Flick’s great faith in the player further convinced the versatile star to stay put.

The German manager demonstrated his trust by deploying Garcia as a defensive midfielder until a problematic pubalgia sidelined the Catalan for several weeks.

Upon his return, Garcia found his minutes reduced, with Marc Casado and Pedri firmly established in the double pivot role and Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez performing well in central defence.

Nevertheless, whenever Garcia has been given opportunities, he has risen to the occasion, maintaining Flick’s confidence in him.

Garcia unlikely to leave despite interest

Despite his reduced role, Garcia’s situation has attracted interest from several La Liga teams, who have approached him with offers for a potential winter transfer.

Girona’s head coach, Michel, continues to push for the former Man City starlet’s return and remains in constant contact with the player. After all, Garcia played a crucial role in Girona’s historic campaign last season. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad are also interested.

However, as per SPORT, a January departure for Garcia appears unlikely for two key reasons. First, the player himself prefers to remain with Barcelona for the rest of the season and reassess his future in the summer.

What next for Eric’s get-toger? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

With a contract running until 2026 and no renewal offer on the table, he may consider leaving at the end of the season.

Secondly, Barcelona’s defensive situation complicates any potential exit. Ronald Araujo is reportedly the likeliest defender to leave this January, with Juventus and Arsenal expressing strong interest.

Barcelona would be unwilling to part with two central defenders during the same window, as that would leave the squad with only three options: Cubarsi, Inigo, and Andreas Christensen.

The situation may change in the summer, particularly with the likely arrival of Jonathan Tah on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.

For now, Garcia remains firmly committed to staying with Barcelona, with a clearer decision on his future expected in the summer.