Real Sociedad eyeing January swoop for 23-year-old Barcelona star

Real Sociedad appear to be setting their sights on Barcelona defender Eric Garcia as they consider strengthening their backline during the upcoming January transfer window, according to Mundo Deportivo. 

Even with a couple of months until the winter transfer market opens, Garcia’s name has already surfaced among several top-tier clubs looking to bolster their defence. 

Real Sociedad now join the list of interested clubs, alongside Girona, who previously aimed to sign him over the summer and continue to monitor his situation.

Barcelona are unbothered

Amidst all this, Barcelona remain largely indifferent to these rumours, maintaining that their primary focus is on preserving their recent winning streak rather than entertaining speculation. 

Garcia’s limited appearances at Barcelona this season, where he has often been deployed as a defensive midfielder rather than in his traditional centre-back role, have sparked this buzz about a potential departure. 

Real Sociedad want Eric Garcia. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

In that matter, Real Sociedad are particularly keen on securing his services on loan as a possible option for the January window.

No place in defence for Garcia

Barcelona’s current defensive setup seems stable under manager Hansi Flick, who has found a reliable partnership in young talent Pau Cubarsi and experienced leader Inigo Martinez. 

Both players have solidified their roles as the central defensive duo, which has kept Garcia’s involvement to a minimum. 

Meanwhile, defenders Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen are working their way back from injuries and are expected to return soon, further crowding the defensive lineup. 

This depth at the back might indirectly pave the way for Garcia’s exit if Barcelona needs to make space in the squad.

As of now, the Barcelona management has assured that there would be no issues if Garcia, who might get some minutes against Espanyol, were to depart on loan in January, seeing it as an opportunity to facilitate the club’s longer-term plans.

However, a decision will be taken closer towards the transfer window considering the state of the squad.