Barcelona prepare contract renewal for defensive star once left in the shadows | OneFootball

Eric Garcia has been a curious case at Barcelona. For the majority of his spell at the club in the past few years, the defender has been linked with a move away from Catalonia.

It was no different last summer when the former Man City centre-back was among the players in contention to leave the club even after an impressive loan spell at Girona.

However, Garcia ended up becoming a part of the first team, and since then, things have only gotten better for the Spaniard.

Barcelona ready to renew Garcia’s contract

According to a report from Diario SPORT, Barcelona is now even open to renewing the defender’s contract, which expires in 2026.

It appears coach Hansi Flick has been left impressed by the defender’s output, especially with the way the Spaniard has stepped up whenever given the opportunity.

Barcelona want to renew Eric Garcia’s deal. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

Other than his ability to step in, Garcia has been useful due to his versatility as he has also operated in a defensive midfield role this season.

The report adds that Garcia’s value within the Barcelona camp has increased considerably, which explains why the club are keen on extending his contract.

A potential extension could see Garcia remain at the club for the foreseeable future, most likely acting as backup to Barcelona’s prime centre-backs while occasionally stepping into the defensive midfield position.

While Garcia’s contract could be extended soon, the same cannot be said for fellow defender Andreas Christensen.

The Dane has fallen out of favour at Barça and is one of the top candidates to leave the club in the summer, though, for now, the club are awaiting the defender’s medical discharge.