Pep Guardiola desperately trying to keep hold of Barcelona target defender.
Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, is trying his very best to hinder the Barcelona transfer approach for Eric Garcia amid his expiring contract.
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The former La Masia graduate has been a target for the Spanish side for a long time, as they intended to bring him to Camp Nou, with the lucrative offer of being back in Spain with his family.
The Catalans had high hopes of bringing the defender home after Manchester City’s 2-year ban on the Champions League. However, after the ban got lifted, things turned difficult as talks of a new 5-year contract for the Spanish player surfaced to keep him at the Etihad stadium. Also, with Pep tipped to stay with the City side until 2021, he will surely look to convince the 19-year-old to remain under him and develop even further.
Guardiola undoubtedly has the skills to turn the promising teenager into one of the best defenders in the world. It was, in fact, why Garcia left in the first place; to grow and hone his talent under the Spanish Coach. With just 1 season left on the contract of the youngster, the former Barca boss is sparing no effort and has spoken very highly of Eric to convince him for a contract renewal.
"“He’s a very intelligent player. He’s capable of leading the entire defensive line by himself as he pays attention to everything. I believe in him a lot.”Source: Sport"
Meanwhile, Barca have used a strategic approach of a 3-way swap deal with 2 other players in order to convince Garcia to take the leap and come back to his home town. They intend to swap their right-back Nelson Semedo for City’s Joao Cancelo, in good faith, in hopes of bringing in Garcia as well.
Eric will surely be the perfect solution as a permanent replacement to aging Gerard Pique, who has only a few prime seasons left in him. If Barcelona do manage to bring him in, the squad with other talented youngsters like Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig could bring in a promising, new era for the Blaugranas.
Can Barcelona convince Garcia to move back to Camp Nou?