La Liga club director confirms attempt to sign Barcelona star in January – ‘We tried to…’ | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was the subject of much speculation during the recently concluded January transfer window.

The 24-year-old versatile defender had been struggling for minutes under Hansi Flick during the season and as such, was said to be open to a switch midway through the campaign.

Girona, where he spent the last season on loan, were once again linked with Garcia while there were also reports of interest from Serie A newbies Como 1907.

Girona director confirms Garcia interest

Speaking to the media earlier today, Girona sporting director Quique Carcel has come out and confirmed that they did try to sign Eric Garcia, but Barcelona decided not to part ways with him.

“Eric is a player we tried to bring in because he is performing well at Barcelona, but the club decided that he will not leave because they are counting on him and he has shown he is important for the team,” Carcel explained, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Girona wanted Eric Garcia in the winter window. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“His recent performances have been very good, and Flick has seen that,” he added.

Flick values Garcia

Indeed, Garcia has been very impressive in his recent performances, which prompted Hansi Flick to speak to him and convince him to continue at Barcelona, at least until the end of the season.

Flick and Barcelona value Garcia highly because of the versatility he brings to the table – being able to play at centre-back, defensive midfield, or as a right-back when needed.

In fact, after his fine performance off the bench against Alaves this past weekend, Eric Garcia is in line to see greater prominence in the team in the weeks to come.