Eric Garcia 'has no plans to leave Barcelona this summer'

Eric Garcia is reportedly determined to stay at Barcelona this summer, with the defender content with his position at Camp Nou despite struggling for starts last season.

The Spain international came through the youth system at Barcelona, representing the club between 2008 and 2017 before moving to Manchester City, where he made 35 first-team appearances.

Garcia returned to Camp Nou on a free transfer in June 2021, and he featured on 36 occasions during the 2021-22 campaign before making another 32 appearances for the Catalan outfit last term.

The 22-year-old only started 15 times in La Liga, though, with Marcos Alonso, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen all picked ahead of him in 2022-23.

Barcelona have also now brought in Inigo Martinez on a free transfer, which has strengthened rumours that Garcia could be allowed to leave for the right price this summer.

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Real Betis are thought to be keen on the centre-back, while there are also believed to be a number of Premier League clubs keeping an eye on his situation at Camp Nou.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Spaniard has no desire to switch clubs this summer, even if he is made aware by head coach Xavi that he will again struggle for starts next term.

The report claims that the coaching staff are also keen to keep hold of Garcia, but the sports management department are willing to listen to offers for him.

Barcelona have brought in Ilkay Gundogan and Martinez this summer, but both players arrived on free transfers, and the club are restricted in the market due to their financial issues.

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Garcia was regularly used as a defensive midfielder by Xavi in the latter stages of last season and could allegedly operate in that area of the field next term if he stays at Camp Nou.

Barcelona are still looking to bring in another midfielder this summer despite Gundogan's arrival, as Sergio Busquets has departed, and Franck Kessie could also be on his way out before the end of the window.

Talk of a move for Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat has quietened of late, though, with Manchester United now believed to be the favourites to sign the Morocco international.

Barcelona will begin their pre-season against Juventus on July 22, while they also have confirmed friendlies against Arsenal, Real Madrid and AC Milan ahead of their 2023-24 La Liga opener, which will see them travel to Getafe on August 13.