24-year-old Barcelona player confirms contract renewal talks have begun | OneFootball

Continuing his good form from the end of the last season, the FC Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has started the new season in a very good manner as well, and has played in all three opening games of the 2025-26 La Liga campaign.

His consistency and versatility have once again proven invaluable to Hansi Flick, just as they did at the end of last season when Jules Kounde’s injury allowed him to finish the campaign as a regular starter.

But despite his importance, his long-term future at the Blaugrana club still remains subject to some uncertainty, especially as his contract is running out in 2026. Recently, there have been reports of the Catalans looking to start negotiations to tie him down for several more years.

In this regard, MARCA reports that the defender himself provided an update as he appeared in an interview with Jijantes. The former Manchester City center-back revealed that negotiations are already underway for his new contract:

“Everything will be addressed soon. We have started talking about a renewal. Captain? Who knows if in the future I could be considered for the captaincy?”

Garcia also touched on Barcelona’s start to the season, which included a hard-fought draw at Vallecas:

“Last year, we started worse; Monaco put three past us in the Gamper. We have grown, we are a young team, and all three matches have been played away from home.”

On his own performances, the defender underlined his adaptability:

“I have always been a centre-back, but I am also comfortable at full-back.”

The Spaniard also addressed the unexpected exit of veteran centre-back Inigo Martinez, who recently departed the Catalan club:

“We trained for a couple of days after returning, and on the second day, he told us. It was a surprise, but he has every right to decide what is best for him. On the pitch, he will be missed, but now we young players have to step up.”

Garcoa further reflected on his season-long loan at Girona in 2023/24, describing it as a turning point in his career:

“It was a personal decision; I needed to play. When Girona’s interest came up, I knew I had to go there. It was an unbeatable year with Míchel and players of great quality. The Olympics were that summer, and I wanted to be in good shape.”

Finally, the Spain international gave his view on the tough Champions League group stage awaiting Barcelona, admitting he would have preferred to avoid certain opponents:

Hopefully, the renewal operation will be completed by Barcelona as soon as possible, as Eric Garcia has emerged as a very useful player for Hansi Flick. His versatility and commitment to the team make him a highly effective player, and with less than one year left on his contract, this operation demands a lot of urgency and focus from the club.