Barcelona set to count on loanee defender next season amid transfer interest | OneFootball

If there were any remaining doubts over the future of Eric Garcia, the player’s performance in Girona’s recent 4-2 win over Barcelona provided a clear answer.

In 90 minutes against his parent club, the defender made five clearances and three tackles, blocked one shot, and won six duels for Michel’s side in a comprehensive display.

He was instrumental in keeping Fermin Lopez quiet for long parts of the game, thus neutralising Barcelona’s attack to great capacity.

In Xavi’s plans

Barcelona’s manager Xavi Hernandez has always been a big fan of Garcia’s qualities and was, in fact, opposed to the player leaving on loan last summer.

It is thus beyond doubt that Xavi counts on Garcia for next season, especially after his bright stint at Girona as revealed by Mundo Deportivo. He will thus be an Azulgrana next season.

Eric Garcia impressed vs Barcelona on Saturday. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

The only hurdle to Garcia’s return is the competition for a starting spot at centre-back, especially given the rise of Pau Cubarsi.

Garcia, however, has featured regularly for Girona as a right-back and could slot into the same position next season under Xavi.

Girona pushing to keep the defender

Having secured Champions League football for next season, it is clear that Michel’s side are planning for a much bigger project. Retaining Garcia, needless to say, accounts for a large part of the same.

As revealed recently, Girona are pushing to keep Eric Garcia in their ranks even if it means extending his loan spell by a year.

Given the team’s desperation to sign Garcia, it remains to be seen if Barcelona thus turn the tables around at any point and open the door to his departure should a good valuation come in.