Barcelona see €15 million-rated loanee’s return to club as difficult, sale likely

If Barcelona are pressed to make sales this summer, it is quite clear that the centre-back department will be the one eyed. The Catalans enjoy a surplus of resources in the department, both in the squad and on loan, and see multiple exits possible in June.

One such player whose future is in the air is Eric Garcia. The La Masia starlet is on loan at Girona and has excelled this season, but MARCA reports that his return to Barcelona now appears complicated.

Competition aplenty

As relayed by the Spanish outlet, Garcia’s return to Catalonia is far from simple given the competition in the first team for a starting spot.

The Spaniard was already the fifth choice after Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Inigo Martinez, and the rise of Pau Cubarsi only makes the competition steeper.

Moreover, Barcelona are in desperate need to raise funds in the summer transfer window, and the sale of an in-form Garcia whose market value stands at over €15 million would serve as a massive boost.

Eric Garcia (R) has done well at Girona. (Photo by JAIME REINA/AFP via Getty Images)

Decision to be made

Eric Garcia has a contract in Catalonia that runs until 2026 and will be a Barcelona by default in July, with Girona retaining no buy option for him. However, they remain interested in prolonging his stay at the club.

Considering that Michel’s side are well-placed to play in the UEFA Champions League next season, it is likely that they opt to sign Garcia on a permanent transfer. Everything, however, will depend on whether the two Catalan sides can agree on a valuation.

For the time being, Xavi & co. opt to wait until the end of the season before making a decision on the youngster.

Considering that Barcelona signed him from Manchester City for free and that every penny they earn from him is a profit, however, a sale is likely.