Barcelona to launch fresh Eric Garcia transfer bid in January – with Man City star set to reject Guardiola’s ‘seduction’
BARCELONA are set to launch a fresh transfer bid with the Man City defender intent on rejecting Pep Guardiola’s ‘seduction’, reports say.
Garcia was at the centre of a tug-of-war between the two clubs during the previous transfer window, before he eventually stayed.
But with his contract running out next summer, Barca believe Manchester City’s weakened negotiating positioning means they can get him on the cheap in January.
Despite the dramatic resignation of Josep Maria Bartomeu and the board of directors, work is continuing behind the scenes to secure Garcia, according to ESPN.
But they also report the new incoming president will have to greenlight any potential deal.
The Catalan club plan to reopen negotiations when appropriate hoping to have an agreement ready to sign off for the new elected boss.
This follows Man City shooting down their previous offer of €10 million and €8m in add-ons before the window closed earlier this month.
But with the Premier League club running out of time – and Garcia reportedly insisting he won’t be signing a new contract – they are at risk of losing him on a free.
And the 19-year-old is keen to not be taken in by the club’s ‘seduction’.
Manager Guardiola said last week: “He wants to leave but maybe we can seduce him to extend his contract with us.”
But Garcia has told friends he plans to return ‘home’ — whether it is in January or next summer on a free transfer.
He has made his decision for personal reasons.
Speaking last month, Garcia insisted his club are aware that he does not want to extend his stay.
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He said: “It is true, I have told the club I do not intend to extend my contract beyond 2021.
“But I will return to Manchester when I am finished on international duty with Spain.
“I am focused on next season with City.”