The winter transfer window of 2025 has opened, and Barcelona's cleaning operation is also underway. On January 3rd, authoritative news from Cadena SER reported that Eric Garcia is about to join Girona for a total transfer fee of 10 million euros. The source pointed out that Eric Garcia will become the first player to leave Barcelona in the winter window. At the same time as Olmo and Victor are registered, Barcelona will also announce Eric Garcia's departure.
Cadena SER wrote:
Barcelona is working hard to register Olmo and Victor, at this moment, Girona approached Barcelona to inquire about Eric Garcia. Girona's coach Michel has an immense desire for Eric Garcia, with the player's transfer fee being around 10 million euros.
"Sport" followed up on the report, stating that Eric Garcia is very close to joining Girona. This is an "unexpected thunderbolt" for Barcelona, and within hours, Eric Garcia's deal will be completed. Selling Eric Garcia can bring in 10 million euros, which is a much-needed financial relief for Barcelona.
The 24-year-old Eric Garcia joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Manchester City in the summer of 2021. In the 2023-24 season, Eric Garcia was loaned to Girona, making 30 La Liga appearances and scoring 5 goals, becoming an absolute mainstay in the team's dark horse miracle.
After returning to Barcelona, Eric Garcia did not have many opportunities to play, with Kounde and Inigo Martinez forming the main central defensive partnership. Once Christensen and Araujo return, Eric Garcia's playing time will be further reduced. Leaving Barcelona is a rational choice for Eric Garcia.
However, Barcelona coach Flick denied that Eric Garcia will leave: "He is an important player for us, capable of playing in many positions, and we are not considering his departure at the moment." However, Barcelona's decision to sell Eric Garcia is more of a financial one: Eric is at most the fifth-choice center-back, able to fetch 10 million euros and free up salary space, which is very important for Barcelona.
Eric Garcia's transfer will be a win-win-win situation: the player will receive more playing time and importance; Girona will get a familiar reinforcement to make a push in La Liga, the Champions League, and the King's Cup; Barcelona will receive 10 million euros to alleviate financial pressure. This transfer awaits its final official announcement.