Barcelona defender Eric Garcia is reportedly excited about a potential move to La Liga rivals Girona as he seeks a more prominent role. Meanwhile, Ilkay Gundogan has shared why he feels less upset about his departure from Barcelona, with his return to Manchester City now confirmed.
Barcelona defender is reportedly ‘delighted’ to make the switch to La Liga rivals
With only a week remaining in the summer transfer window, FC Barcelona is bracing for some last-minute drama in the days ahead.
Eric Garcia was part of one of Barça’s deadline-day moves last year when the defender departed the club to join Girona on loan.
One year later, now back at the club, the 23-year-old center-back could once again be facing a late transfer window move.
As previously reported, Girona is keen on bringing Eric back, this time on a permanent transfer. As Barcelona aims to lower its wage expenses, a departure remains a viable option.
Garcia would be ‘delighted’
According to journalist Victor Navarro, Eric Garcia would be ‘delighted’ to move from Barcelona to Girona before the transfer window closes.
As noted earlier, Barça still needs to offload players, while Girona is keen to bring back the Spanish international. Their manager, Michel, director Quique Carcel, and president Delfi Geli are all eager to seize the opportunity to re-sign him.
Garcia understands that he would play a secondary role at Barcelona, but at Montilivi, he would secure a spot as a regular starter.
The former La Masia trainee aspires to thrive with the Blaugrana but recognizes that several players are currently ahead of him in the pecking order.
As a result, he is very open to relocating to Girona, and both clubs will now work to finalize his transfer in the coming days.
As reported earlier today, the two Catalan rivals might agree on a permanent transfer valued at around €15 million. As it stands, Garcia’s move back to Girona appears quite likely.
Ilkay Gundogan reveals why he feels ‘less sad’ about leaving Barcelona
The midfielder’s return to the Etihad Stadium was confirmed on Friday, ending his one-year stint in Catalonia.
Barcelona’s financial difficulties had prevented them from registering new signing Dani Olmo with La Liga. However, reallocating Gundogan’s wages should provide the necessary flexibility to complete the registration now.
Gundogan hinted at this in his farewell message to Barcelona fans on social media.
“Dear culers, after just one year it’s already time to say goodbye,” Gundogan said.
“I came here to face a new, exciting challenge and was ready for it. I have given everything to fight for the team and the club in the best possible way in a difficult season, and I was looking forward to helping my teammates in the new campaign.
“Now I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad.
“Nevertheless, it’s been a time with incredible experiences and ups and downs – I always wanted to play at Barça, and I am very grateful for a memory and experience that I will remember for my life. I wish you the best for the season and for the future. The fans deserve to get this big club back to the world’s best.
“Visca el Barça! Best wishes, Ilkay.”
Gundogan reportedly submitted a transfer request last weekend, and a move back to City swiftly materialized after Pep Guardiola contacted the 33-year-old.
Despite interest from clubs around the globe, including those in Saudi Arabia, Gundogan ultimately decided to reunite with City.
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