ERIC GARCIA plans to stay at Manchester City this season despite refusing to sign a new contract with them.
Garcia, whose current deal expires next summer, has said he is “focused on next season” with the club, ruling out an imminent move to Barcelona.
Garcia plans to stay at Man City for one more seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
Speaking on his future, Garcia said: “It is true I have told the club I do not intend to extend my contract beyond 2021.
“But I will return to Manchester when I am finished on international duty with Spain, and I am focused on next season with City.”
City were keen to keep the youngster, but Garcia has set his sights on the Nou Camp instead.
City boss Pep Guardiola said: “He announced to us that he doesn’t want to extend his contract with Manchester City.
“He has one more year and after that, yeah. We want it but he doesn’t want to extend it – so I imagine he wants to play in another place.”
New Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman is keen to bring Garcia back to the club where he rose through the ranks from their renowned La Masia academy.
Koeman sees Garcia as the successor to the club’s veteran defender Gerard Pique, whose Barca future is in doubt.
The new Barca chief is planning a complete overhaul of his squad, showing his intent by getting rid of older players in the team such as Luis Suarez and Ivan Rakitic.
Garcia’s decision to stay put this summer will suit Barca, who were struggling to stump up City’s £30million asking price, and will now be able to get him for free in a year’s time.
City would also be happy to keep Garcia next season and let him leave for free next summer.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
