Serie A manager confirms interest in Barcelona defender – ‘He is versatile, a leader’ | OneFootball

Back in the January transfer window, Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was attracting strong interest from Serie A newbies Como.

Managed by former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, the Italian outfit, who have ex-Blaugrana captain Sergi Roberto in their squad, wanted to raid the club for Garcia during the mid-season trading period.

In fact, a €7 million move to Como was close to being finalised before Hansi Flick stepped in and decided to block the versatile defender’s exit.

Fabregas still wants Eric Garcia

Now, Fabregas has once again expressed his admiration for Garcia and confirmed Como’s interest in signing the 24-year-old Barcelona defender.

“I confirm our interest in Eric Garcia, from Barcelona. I like him a lot: he is versatile, a leader, important for the team. But he will stay at Barcelona,” Fabregas admitted at a press conference ahead of Como’s fixture against Cagliari (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Eric Garcia is still on Como’s agenda. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

Garcia is also attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League and La Liga. However, as things stand, the versatile defender appears unlikely to leave Barcelona in the summer.

In fact, plans are underway for the Blaugrana to extend the 24-year-old Spaniard’s contract at the behest of manager Flick, with the player’s current deal expiring next year.

Fabregas’ thoughts on Inter Milan vs Barcelona

Meanwhile, Fabregas was also in the stands at the Giuseppe Meazza for the dramatic second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Inter Milan and Barcelona – a match that ended in a 4-3 extra-time win for the Italian side, eliminating his former club.

“I was already leaving after Raphinha’s goal, then I heard a roar and went back in. I saw the extra time: a beautiful match, one to remember, part of Champions League history,” he said.