Barcelona coach Hansi Flick appeared puzzled when asked about reports linking Eric Garcia with a January exit during his pre-match press conference before the Copa del Rey clash against Barbastro. The 23-year-old defender later scored in Barcelona’s 4-0 victory, further highlighting his value to the squad.
Speculation Surrounding Eric Garcia’s Transfer
Recent reports suggested an agreement with Girona for Garcia’s €10m transfer to Montilivi. However, Flick denied knowledge of the player’s intent to leave, contradicting earlier reports of a candid conversation where Garcia was informed he might have limited minutes in the second half of the season due to the return of Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen.
Impact of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor’s Registration Issues
Barcelona’s struggles to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor have shifted the dynamic. The club had initially considered Garcia’s sale to manage their salary cap, as a loan wouldn’t provide the financial flexibility needed for reinforcements. However, with uncertainty surrounding Olmo’s availability, Flick is reluctant to part ways with Garcia, as his presence could provide crucial midfield cover.
If Olmo remains sidelined, Pedri or Gavi may be pushed into more advanced roles, opening up opportunities for Garcia in a deeper midfield position. Conversely, Garcia’s departure would necessitate a new midfield signing, aligning Flick’s stance with the sporting directorate’s strategy.
Challenges in Barcelona’s Squad Depth
Barcelona’s squad depth issues further complicate the scenario. Injuries to Marc Bernal and reliance on young players like Héctor Fort, Gerard Martin, and Marc Casado highlight the challenges Flick faces. Despite not being outstanding, Garcia’s versatility and competence in midfield provide essential options in an already thin roster.