MANCHESTER CITY defender Eric Garcia has agreed personal terms with Barcelona and could even complete his transfer back to the Nou Camp this month, according to reports.
The LaLiga giants have been chasing the defender, 19, since the summer.
Eric Garcia has agreed personal terms with Barcelona and could leave this month, say reportsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Garcia made no secret of his desire to return to the club he left in 2017.
He even refused to sign a new contract at the Etihad in a bid to force a move back to Barca.
In August, boss Pep Guardiola revealed: “[Garcia] told us that he doesn’t want to extend his contract with Manchester City, so he has one more year.
“We wanted it but he doesn’t want to extend. I imagine he wants to play in another place.”
Garcia is out of contract at Man City at the end of the season and is free to negotiate pre-contract terms with European clubs this month.
Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed Barcelona and Garcia have agreed personal terms on a five-year deal.
The defender will now be able to join Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer.
However, City could offer Garcia to the struggling LaLiga giants this month for a cut-price fee.
Garcia could finally get his wish and return to Barcelona in 2021Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The Premier League side had demanded a fee of around £20million last summer.
But with his deal expiring, they could reportedly offer Garcia to Barcelona on an immediate transfer for closer to £10m.
Garcia first joined Barcelona in 2008, aged just seven, and spent nearly a decade working his way through the youth ranks.
The centre-back joined City in 2017 and enjoyed a breakout season last term, making 20 appearances in all competitions.
Despite hoping Garcia would change his mind, Guardiola has only given the defender three matches in the Premier League this season, totalling just 200 minutes.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk