One of the biggest surprises from Barcelona’s starting lineup for their opening game against Mallorca was the inclusion of Eric Garcia.
Hansi Flick decided to start the former Manchester City starlet ahead of Jules Kounde, who was one of Barça’s most prominent players last season, in the right back position.
Flick had done the same even against Como in the Joan Gamper trophy match, even though Kounde is not suffering from any underlying injuries.
Eric Garcia: No longer a fringe player
According to SPORT, Garcia is no longer seen as a fringe player at Barcelona. The Spaniard has quietly established himself as a key first-team individual.
The report even adds that the player will receive a lot of game time this season. His prospects have already been helped by Inigo Martinez’s exit and the fact that Barcelona have not signed a new right-back.
MALLORCA, SPAIN - AUGUST 16: Dani Rodriguez of RCD Mallorca and Eric Garcia of FC Barcelona competes for the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Son Moix on August 16, 2025 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)
Garcia started ahead of Kounde against Mallorca (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)
Garcia, therefore, will serve as a competitor rather than a backup for Kounde at right-back, while he can also be considered as the main alternative to Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo at centre-back.
The former Man City starlet can operate in defensive midfield as well, though Barcelona are already well covered in that area.
Renewal talks on the anvil
The report adds that Barcelona are in talks with Eric Garcia over a renewal until 2029 that will guarantee his long-term future at the club.
However, negotiations won’t be as straightforward. It must be noted that Garcia is one of the lowest-paid players on the team.
But given his rapid rise to prominence, the player will naturally ask for a higher salary in order to continue at Barça.
Keeping that in mind, it will be interesting to see how soon Barcelona can tie the defender to a new contract, especially under the current economic conditions.