€15 million-rated Barcelona star is on the verge of securing a contract extension, highlighting the club’s commitment to retaining their versatile La Masia talent.
Barcelona’s shift in approach under Hansi Flick has emphasized retaining versatile players, and now the club prioritizes renewing a contract for a defender valued at €15 million.
Last summer, the player almost left because Barcelona was unable to make any signings due to financial difficulties, and the player became an indispensable player as the minutes were increased for him on the squad through the transfer windows.
Earlier this January, the player was close to a move to Girona, but Flick assured him that he wouldn’t let him leave because of his importance to the squad.
Since then, his versatility and performances have made him irreplaceable, and the club has begun to consider extending the contract even further beyond its 2026 expiration date, as reported by Diario Sport.
The player is Eric Garcia, a product of La Masia who went from a fringe player to a necessary player quickly.
At one point, Garcia had an uncertain future, but he has earned Flick’s trust by proving he can play multiple positions, including central defense, pivot, and even right back.
His performances over the last few weeks, including his performances from the full-back position, have changed the club’s expectations for him and changed how management views him, as he will not be a key piece for the future.
Even if the new season begins with Jules Kounde, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal ahead of Garcia in the pecking order, he will have demonstrated his value as a useful substitute due to his versatility.
The fortnights that have passed for Garcia represent Flick’s conviction in the importance of squad depth and versatility.
From someone who looked like he was on his way out, he symbolizes how players on the fringe can be useful under the right guidance.
With contract negotiations on the horizon, it will soon become a new chapter for Garcia as he works to secure his future with Barcelona.
The club’s intention on bringing in players like Garcia shows their plan for assembling a strong, versatile squad that can compete at the highest level shows that versatility as a football player is shoestring awful in modern football.
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