Recent Transfer reports suggest that Premier League giants Chelsea and Newcastle United are interested in signing Barcelona defender Eric Garcia.
Both clubs are said to view the Spain international as a valuable addition to their defensive structures and are exploring the possibility of bringing him in.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are open to negotiating his departure, with a possible transfer fee of around €25 million.
Premier League teams in the race
Eric García has earned a reputation as a versatile and reliable player over the years. He is capable of playing as a center back, full back or even as a defensive midfielder.
This flexibility has made him an attractive prospect for clubs like Chelsea, who are looking to stabilize their defensive line after inconsistent performances from the likes of Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile.
Newcastle United are also looking for reinforcements, aiming to add depth and quality to their defence, which has faltered at crucial moments.
What about Barcelona?
At Barcelona, however, García’s role in the squad has diminished this season. He has been largely ignored by manager Hansi Flick since returning from injury earlier in the campaign.
Although he initially featured in seven of Barcelona’s first eight league games this season, an injury in mid-October sidelined him for more than a month.
Despite his versatility, including his ability to play the number six role, Barcelona appear to be well stocked in the positions Garcia can fill. Considering the financial pressures facing the club, a January departure for Garcia could make sense.
Selling him would not only alleviate the wage bill but would also generate much-needed funds to facilitate future signings.
This move could benefit both the player and the club, as García seeks more regular playing time and Barcelona looks to strengthen its financial position.