One of Hansi Flick's most trusted players is being linked with a move away from Barcelona, with Paris Saint-Germain 'closely monitoring' his contract situation.
In the build-up to Wednesday's Champions League clash between Barcelona and PSG, one of the big talking points has been the future of defender Eric Garcia.
Garcia, who joined the Catalan giants on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2021, was once seen as more of a rotation option under Xavi and was loaned out to Girona in 2023-24.
But the Spaniard is flourishing with Hansi Flick at the helm, and it hasn't gone unnoticed.
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Asked how important Flick has been since his arrival, Garcia recently told Barcelona's official channel: "Very important, he has shown a lot of faith in me, he has played me in many positions and given me a lot of confidence."
As a result of his form, Barcelona are planning to extend his contract until 2030, but there is interest from elsewhere.
Luis Enrique's PSG are closely monitoring the progress of those contract talks, according to SPORT, who suggest negotiations could be held with Garcia within three months if his contract has not been finalised.
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That being said, Garcia's priority is to stay at Barcelona.
"He's only considering that possibility, especially considering his new starting role," the report adds. "Barca's plan is to extend his contract until 2030, although the delay in the entire negotiation is surprising given that other players have moved so quickly."
As mentioned above, Garcia joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2021, with the Catalan side including a €400 million buyout clause in the five-year deal.
He has since made over 100 appearances for Blaugrana but at one stage, his future looked uncertain as he joined fellow La Liga side Girona on a season-long loan in 2023.
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Speaking about his decision to leave his boyhood club that summer, he told The Athletic: “In pre-season with Barcelona, I had some doubts over my role. I am at an age when I need to play. I had lost this feeling.
“More than vindicated, I’d say this is the level I have and what I’ve always shown in the squads I played in. No one has ever played for Barcelona, Spain and City for no reason. But last summer, I felt I needed to prove myself again.”
After impressing for Girona in their clash against Barca, Xavi made a telling statement. “If it had been my decision, Eric would have stayed with us,” he said. “We spoke about it and he knows it.”
Jack Kenmare