Pep Guardiola hopes Eric Garcia joins Barcelona

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is hopeful that Eric Garcia will secure a move to Barcelona this summer.

The 20-year-old has rejected the chance to sign a new contract with Man City as he eyes a return to Camp Nou.

There has still not been an official announcement when it comes to the Spain international, who has only made four Premier League appearances during the 2020-21 campaign.

However, Guardiola hopes that 'one of his favourite players' has the opportunity to join Ronald Koeman's side following the expiration of his deal at the Etihad Stadium.

"There are players even who don't play any matches. I think, for example, of Eric Garcia who is one of my favourite players," Guardiola told reporters.

"I would love to have 15 Eric Garcia's for the way he conducts his behaviour. He is always thinking of the team. He's always a good face in the good or bad moments. He helps the manager and the backroom staff all the time.

"He will go in an incredible team and when the people say they are unsatisfied if I don't play, I think of Eric. Most of the time he's not on the bench because he's going to move to Barcelona, I hope so. It's tough, but it is what it is."

Garcia was again left out of the squad for Sunday's EFL Cup final with Tottenham Hotspur, which the Citizens won late on courtesy of a header from Aymeric Laporte.