ERIC GARCIA
Since joining FC Barcelona from Man City for free in June 2021, Eric Garcia has experienced mixed fortunes at the club.
Initially thought to be Pique's long-term replacement, inconsistencies, and injuries derailed Eric from becoming a starter under Xavi. Then, in summer 2023, Eric joined Girona on loan to get more game time.
And he did just that - Eric was a mainstay in the Girona backline as under Michel, the City group side secured Champions League football for 2024/25. At present, the former Manchester City defender looks forward to representing La Roja at the Paris Olympics 2024 alongside Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi.
At the end of the season, Eric confirmed his plan to return to Barca, saying,
""I’m going to return to Barça. I have a contract, I will return when the season ends and we will talk to the club to see what is there.""Eric Garcia(via RAC1)
🔵🔴 Eric Garcia: "I have a contract - what is 100% is that I will go back to Barça. Then we will see what happens".
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 29, 2024
"I know there’s competition at Barça, but I also know I’m doing well at Girona. I know my football. Competition makes everything better", told RAC1. pic.twitter.com/Q0UgVX2Qoc
Thus, he is expected to join Flick's preseason and can be a good option for the club if Ronald Araujo, Mikayil Faye, or any other defender leaves Camp Nou this summer.