Barcelona refuses to part ways with 24-year-old player amid Serie A and La Liga interest | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are fresh off a historic Champions League game against Benfica. It was an incredibly attacking game from both sides riddled with goalkeeping mistakes and it eventually ended 5-4 in favor of the Catalan side.

The player who scored the all-important equalizing goal on the night for Barcelona was Eric Garcia. The 24-year-old was brought on as a substitute by Hansi Flick and the Spaniard repaid the faith, netting an excellent header.

Interestingly, this meant that Garcia continued the unique streak that he has, where all his professional goals in his career have come as headers. The 24-year-old even otherwise had a very good game after coming on.

Time and again this season, Eric has proved under Hansi Flick that he can be a very good squad option who can deputize in a number of roles. The loan spell to Girona last season seems to have done him the world of good and he has improved significantly as a footballer.

Despite ongoing speculation about a potential departure, Mundo Deportivo reports that the latest indications from Barcelona suggest Eric Garcia is set to remain at the club. The report also adds that Girona and Como have expressed interest, but Barcelona highly values the defender, and neither club has made an offer deemed irresistible.

The ex-Manchester City defender certainly has the quality on the ball to play for Barcelona. Of course, he does come with a set of limitations but which player doesn’t? It is all about playing in a system and role that maximizes one’s strengths.

Hansi Flick has been very vocal about his desire to retain Eric Garcia in the squad. He has the potential to be the Sergi Roberto of this generation, due to his versatility and his ability to pop up with these crucial headers, as he did against Benfica.

Eric has a contract with the club until 2026 and come the summer, Barcelona will have to make a decision. It is quite a crucial one and it all depends on what the player wants to do. Let’s wait and see how it plays out going forward.