Barcelona have gone back on their verbal deal to sign Manchester City’s Eric Garcia and have now asked the center – back to accept a reduced deal to seal his move to Camp Nou – reportedly worth half of the original deal.
The 20-year-old’s contract in City is being terminated and he has long been expected to join Barcelona on a free transfer this summer. 12 months ago, personal terms were agreed and it has since seemed to be a case of when, rather than if.
Garcia’s future seemed to be | | Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
Both Garcia and Barcelona were considered relaxed about the situation, confident in the knowledge that everything had already been agreed in any case. But according to Marca, the Spanish side has withdrawn its offer and replaced it with one with a significantly lower salary.
RAC’s Gerard Romero followed up the report and confirmed that the deal now on the table is worth half of what Garcia originally agreed to.
Barcelona are still keen to sign Garcia, but amid rising debts and desperate attempts to cut the salary budget, the decision has been made to abandon their original agreement with Garcia in an attempt to save some money.
Every player in Barcelona’s squad has (or will soon be asked) to take a pay cut to help the team stay afloat in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak, so this is not unique to Garcia.
☎️ Lo account @marca y confirmamos
Eric García wants to read about Barça tend to accept the new terms of the contract. He will reimburse the pact for his day.
Depay si llega, también le afectará esa rebaja del contrato # mercato en @ EsportsRAC1 pic.twitter.com/0a7dXgCwel
– Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) April 7, 2021
Marca does not mention how Garcia feels that Barcelona are going back on their word, but according to Cuatro, the 20-year-old has remained less than impressed by it all.
Garcia has always been keen to return to Barcelona, but the club’s behavior has forced him to reconsider his options. He has not ruled out agreeing to the reduced terms, but more important is the idea of renewing with City now also there.
The defender is perceived to have rejected two procurement offers from City, who publicly admitted that it looked like Garcia was on his way to Barcelona, but this late wrench in the work could change things completely.
Garcia wants to consider his options now Justin Setterfield / Getty Images
It is also suggested that Garcia be prepared to listen to offers from elsewhere as well. After all, he has only played ten times in all competitions for City this season and has only managed 35 minutes of Premier League action since October, so it is not in his best interest to stay in the Etihad either.
A move to Barcelona seemed anything but elusive, but La Blaugrana’s latest offer has changed things and now Garcia’s future is back in the air.
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