Premier League side targets €15m-rated Barcelona all-rounder in summer move – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are gearing up for a high-stakes El Clasico clash in La Liga—one that could very well determine the title. Holding a four-point lead over Real Madrid, the Catalans know that a loss would slash that margin to just a single point, throwing the race wide open.

Hansi Flick’s side have had the upper hand so far this season, boasting a flawless 4–0 record against Carlo Ancelotti’s men across all competitions, including pre-season. But this time, the odds are less favorable, with fatigue looming large and key absences threatening to tilt the balance.

Barcelona will be without Jules Kounde with the Frenchman injured but his replacement, Eric Garcia, has performed exceptionally well. The Spaniard had a brilliant game against Inter Milan in the second leg and even scored a brilliant volley.

Aston Villa come knocking

Garcia has been an excellent squad addition for Hansi Flick and has played in a variety of roles. He has been a true all-rounder, used in central defense, defensive midfield and at right-back and he has held his own in all these positions.

As per Spanish publication Fichajes, this has caught the eye of Premier League club Aston Villa. Their director Monchi is keen on signing the €15m-rated for Unai Emery’s side. Garcia is no stranger to English football, having played for Man City in the past.

Eric has played 41 times for Barcelona across all competitions this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists. Most of these appearances were from the bench but one cannot understate just how valuable he is.

As per DataMB, the 24-year-old’s radar profile for the 2024/25 season paints a clear picture of a defender who excels in ball progression rather than physical duels. His forward pass percentage sits at 97.0, and his overall passing accuracy is in the 91.8th percentile, highlighting his strength in building play from the back.

He also ranks well in progressive carries (67.4 percentile) and progressive passes (54.8), confirming that he’s a reliable outlet when transitioning from defence to attack, perfectly suited to a possession-heavy system like Barcelona’s.

However, the data also underscores his limitations. Eric ranks very low in defensive duels won (20.8 percentile) and aerial duel win percentage (10.3), which points to potential vulnerabilities in physical matchups. This is also one of the reasons he is unable to establish himself as a permanent starter in this setup.

Eric Garcia has enjoyed a brilliant season at Barcelona

(Source: DataMB)

The modern day Sergi Roberto

Even if Aston Villa—or any other club—come calling, Barcelona should think twice before letting Eric Garcia go. The 24-year-old is fast becoming the quintessential utility player, offering depth, reliability, and tactical flexibility in a squad chasing silverware on multiple fronts.

With each appearance, the 24-year-old is steadily winning over the fanbase. He’s carving out a niche as a more refined, modern-day version of Sergi Roberto—versatile, dependable, and quietly crucial. Let’s hope Barça recognizes his value before entertaining any offers this summer. The future may hold surprises, but for now, keeping Garcia feels like a smart bet.