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8 months ago
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As the end of the season nears, Barcelona must begin evaluating the progress of their players on loan at various clubs in and outside Spain.
Come June, after all, the board and management must arrive at a consensus over which players to trust and call back and whom to part ways with.
In a promising trend, several of Barcelona’s players on loan this season have impressed and improved their market value. One such name is the team’s academy graduate and centre-back Eric Garcia.
Xavi wants the player to stay
As revealed by SPORT, Xavi was not very happy with the player’s departure last summer as Garcia was a player he trusted immensely even last season.
The Spanish centre-back’s move on loan, however, has worked out like a charm. Not only has the youngster established himself as a regular in Girona’s lineup but has also been rock-solid at the back in La Liga.
Eric Garcia has impressed on loan at Girona. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)Xavi, thus, looks forward to the 23-year-old’s return this summer and considers him a valuable resource and an example for the dressing room. He will ask the player to stay at the club next season.
Garcia, however, is uncertain if returning to Barcelona lies in his best interest considering the strong competition that awaits.
After the rise of Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona are loaded with talented centre-backs and Garcia will not find it easy to find minutes.
A stunning loan
Garcia has played 26 games in La Liga for Girona this season, overseeing five clean sheets and averaging over ten defensive actions and four recoveries per game.
Further, the defender has found the back of the net thrice for Michel’s men and has even created a big chance in La Liga.
Considering that Girona are well-placed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, staying at the other end of Catalonia may be in Garcia’s best interest.
After all, he can become the leader of their defence as opposed to a bench presence under Xavi.
