UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League phase 6Borussia Dortmund - FC Barcelona - Source: Getty
UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League phase 6Borussia Dortmund - FC Barcelona - Source: Getty
Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has reportedly decided on his future at the club amid interest from Premier League giants Newcastle United. The 23-year-old joined the Catalan side from Manchester City as a free agent in 2021 after spending four years with The Cityzens.
Garcia had an impressive loan spell last season with Girona. He scored five goals in 33 games and helped them qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their 94-year history. The Blanquivermells secured 81 points in 38 games in LaLiga that season, finishing third behind Real Madrid (95) and Barcelona (85).
However, he has spent most of the season on the bench under new manager Hansi Flick. The 23-year-old has racked up an average of just 42 minutes per game in the 13 games he's played so far this season. Out of them, he has started just five games under the German tactician.
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As per a report by the Catalan newspaper Sport, Newcastle United are keen on securing the services of Eric Garcia. They have also made an offer to Barcelona for the 23-year-old, but the details of the offer remain unknown as of writing. However, the newspaper has revealed that the Catalan giants find the details 'more interesting.'
However, Eric Garcia is reportedly not interested in a move to Eddie Howe's side in January. The defender wants to work under Hansi Flick and fight for his place in Barcelona's backline.
At present, Barcelona's lineup consists of Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen (currently injured), Inigo Martinez, and Sergi Dominguez as centre-back options in addition to Garcia. Flick has mostly gone with the services of Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi this season. Araujo's return from injury will also add to Garcia's competition at the club.
Barcelona reportedly prepared to sell Andreas Christensen to accommodate Dani Olmo's registration
Andreas Christensen - La Liga EA Sports - Source: Getty
Andreas Christensen - La Liga EA Sports - Source: Getty
Journalist Rudy Galetti (via Barca Universal) has reported that the Catalan giants are prepared to let go of Danish defender Andreas Christensen in the upcoming transfer window. This move is being planned to make financial headroom to register Dani Olmo, whose registration expires on December 31, 2024.
In 2022, La Blaugrana signed Andreas Christensen as a free agent from Chelsea. However, the 28-year-old has played just one game this season due to an injury he picked up in Barcelona's league season opener against Valencia (August 17). Christensen was subbed off after playing just 26 minutes and was later reported to have an Achilles tendon inflammation.
After signing Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig this summer, the club couldn't register him because of their financial constraints. Christensen's injury helped them register Olmo for six months after they temporarily excluded the Danish defender from their side. However, Joan Laporta won't be able to renew Olmo's contract without finding a permanent fix to the problem.
The fix could manifest in the form of streaming giants Spotify signing a deal with the club over VIP boxes at Camp Nou. However, they could sell Christensen if the deal doesn't materialize.