Barcelona refuse January exit for €20 million defender but leave summer departure open | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia is unlikely to leave the team during the January transfer window, as revealed by a report from SPORT. Interestingly, though, the chances of him departing in the summer appear to be significantly higher.

Despite limited playing time and fierce competition for his position, Garcia is determined to remain with the club for now, but the situation could change as the season nears its end.

It must be noted that the defender was one of the most speculated names during the recent transfer market. Last summer, he attracted strong interest from several clubs, including Girona, FC Porto, and even teams from England like Newcastle.

However, Barcelona decided to retain him, believing he could still contribute to the squad. Now, he is focused on proving his worth and showcasing his utility to the coach, as he did during the match against Leganes.

More competition

Eric Garcia will not leave Barcelona in January. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Looking ahead, January could bring even more competition for Garcia. With Ronald Araujo now fully fit and Andreas Christensen also back in the fold, the battle for defensive positions will intensify.

Despite these challenges, Garcia’s versatility works in his favour. In addition to his primary role as a centre-back, he is capable of stepping into a central midfield position, offering Barcelona tactical flexibility.

This adaptability is something manager Hansi Flick values greatly, especially with the demanding schedule ahead. The club, on the other hand, appears to be keeping an open mind about offers for Garcia in the future.

While they turned down several bids in the past, there is a growing belief that they may reconsider their stance in the summer, particularly if lucrative offers from Premier League sides resurface.

For now, Garcia’s focus remains on improving his game and cementing his place in the team. With the competition heating up, he is fully committed to helping Barcelona achieve their goals this season while continuing to demonstrate his value on the pitch.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.