Barcelona outcast’s former club emerges as frontrunner for January loan | OneFootball

Girona are reportedly emerging as the leading club to secure the loan of Barcelona’s Eric Garcia during the upcoming winter transfer window, according to Fichajes.

The Barcelona centre-back has found himself playing a more secondary role in the Barcelona squad this season, and with the arrival of new coach Hansi Flick, he could be one of the players available for a loan move.

In this context, Girona manager, Michel, is said to be strongly pushing for the deal, and his persistence might prove crucial in making it happen.

Girona want a defender

It has been suggested that Garcia’s potential move to Girona comes at a time when the club is looking to strengthen its defence.

They require a versatile and experienced player to shore up their backline, and Garcia could be the ideal fit. His previous stint with Girona was well-received, with the defender impressing during his time at Montilivi.

Eric Garcia is wanted by Girona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

However, his role at Barcelona has significantly changed. With key defenders like Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen returning from injury, the competition for spots in Barcelona’s defence has become fiercer.

As a result, Garcia, who is just 23 years old, has found himself relegated to the bench and often used in a rotational role.

No place at Barcelona

So far this season, Garcia, who is also wanted by Getafe, has made 13 appearances, but only one of those was as a starter after October.

Given his reduced playing time and Barcelona’s focus on developing younger talents like Pau Cubarsi, Garcia’s departure in January seems increasingly likely.

For Girona, bringing in Garcia on loan could be a great opportunity for everyone to boost the morale for the second half of the season.

Garcia’s familiarity with the club would likely help him settle in quickly, and his experience could provide a valuable addition to Girona’s defensive options.

While some details of the deal still need to be ironed out, Girona are hopeful that they can convince Barcelona that a loan move is beneficial for all parties involved, with Garcia gaining more playing time and Girona strengthening their defence.