Manchester City defender Eric Garcia has turned down a new deal at the Etihad Stadium following interests from Barcelona.
There had been reports that the Spanish giants have made the youngster their top priority in the summer transfer window as they look for reinforcements at the back.
And ahead of the Premier League side’s second-leg of their Champions League tie with Real on Friday, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Garcia has rejected a new deal and will leave at the end of his contract.
Embed from Getty Images“He announced to us that he doesn’t want to extend his contract with Manchester City,” Guardiola told a press conference. “He has one more year and after that, he doesn’t want to extend. We want it but he doesn’t want to extend it so I imagine he wants to play in other places.”
Garcia was with the Barcelona youth side before leaving for Manchester City three years ago, and has since had first team opportunities under Guardiola, which has prompted the Catalan club to come calling for the centre-back again.
Barcelona see Garcia as a heir to veteran Gerrard Pique, who looks to be enjoying his last moments with the club.
The Manchester side were set to hold showdown talks with the player’s entourage over his future before the coronavirus pandemic caused havoc.
Garcia had been reported to be considering his future due to the uncertaintity of the Spanish manager’s future at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola is in his final year as the boss of the Citizens and has refused been quiet on his plans with the club.
Pep Guardiola has handed the young central defender a vital role in the team since the league resumed last June and was hopeful of getting him to commit his future to the club. However, Barcelona set to win the battle with City and are willing to persuade the 19-year-old to move to Spain.
