Recently, Spain got their hands on another silverware of this campaign as they defeated France 5-3 to clinch the Olympic gold medal. As has been the long-followed tradition, the Blaugrana players contributed significantly to the team's overall success. Be it Fermin Lopez, Pau Cubarsi, or Eric Garcia, everyone stood up to the challenge presented to them.
Simply put, Fermin Lopez stood sensational, and Pau Cubarsi, being the impressive youngster he is, proved his mettle; however, Eric Garcia's success seemed the biggest relief for Barca. Coming on the back of an impressive loan from Girona, the 23-year-old former La Masia cadet showcased his true potential at the heart of La Roja's backline.
Olympic star defender's stay makes it difficult for Mika Faye to continue
Eric, with his rock-solid performances, sent a message in Barcelona's camp of his arrival. Proven his stature at the International level, Eric has moved closer to Barca's starting backline. Recently, the Spaniard confirmed that he is staying in Barcelona. Though Eric's impressive show has been a massive positive for Barca, it might go against Mikayil Faye.
Not to forget, FC Barcelona had Mika Faye on their initial shortlist of moveouts; however, a last-minute agreement failure kept Faye tied to the club. Even though Mika Faye has been one of the best candidates in Flick's eyes, the Senegalese center-back is expected to leave this summer due to an excess of options for the role.
Recently, Diario SPORT reported that Eric Garcia's staying at Barça this summer will force Mika Faye to be sold. With several European clubs on the lookout to acquire the center-back's signature, chances are high that he will be leaving this summer. Add to that a significant proposal from French club Rennes, and thus Faye's Barcelona move has its chances increased.
According to recent reports from Transfer Expert Fabrizio Romano, Rennes has sent a formal bid to Barça for Mika Faye worth around €10 million, including an important sell-on clause of around 20/25%. But the Catalan club Barça is interested in a buy-back clause to be included; the race for Faye is still open.
Thus, overall, Eric Garcia's decision to stay at Barcia has catalyzed Faye's transfer talks. Though further updates are yet to arrive on the potential transfer, Faye is expected to leave this summer.