Barcelona still assessing the future of their loaned central defender | OneFootball

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Although not playing with FC Barcelona, Eric Garcia is still having a season to remember. The former Manchester City player joined Girona in the last summer transfer window on loan and has been one of the key pieces in Michel’s defensive scheme.

The Barcelona loanee has made 25 starts for Girona this season and has been a part of the backline whether Michel adopted a 4 or 5-man defensive scheme. The defender has grown significantly with this loan stint, not only in some defensive aspects but also with his most notable strength, ball delivery.

However, despite his good performances and growth, the Catalan giants are still assessing the situation of the 23-year-old Spanish defender, according to SPORT. This is especially the case as the Catalans already have a surplus of center-backs at the moment.

Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Inigo Martinez, Andreas Christensen, and Pau Cubarsi have all been playing regularly under Xavi this season, but only three of these players have played in their natural positions as Kounde has operated mostly as a right-back in recent months, and Christensen has been deployed in the midfield pivot position.

In addition to these players, the situation regarding Mikayil Faye can be a further cause of headache for the Catalans, as the club has already promised him a place in the first team for the next season. However, if Barcelona Atletic gets promoted this season, Faye can continue playing under Rafa Marquez while also getting some opportunities with Xavi.

Changes in this situation are also expected to take place in the upcoming summer transfer window, especially as Barcelona need some sales to generate some much-needed funds.

The Blaugranes want to retain Ronald Araujo, and the player also wants to stay, but a big offer from Bayern Munich or Manchester United can convince the Catalan club to go ahead with a sale.

Similarly, Xavi’s continuity can also mean Inigo Martinez’s stay at Barcelona, but as is the case with Christensen and Kounde, an alluring offer will open the door for his departure from the club.

Thus, Eric Garcia will have a chance to stay at the Catalan capital and play with the first team only if there are several departures from the defense this summer.