Next season destination confirmed for Guardiola’s “Son”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that young defender Eric Garcia will play for Spanish giants Barcelona next season.

Garcia, 20, began his career with the Catalans, coming up through the club’s youth system before joining City in 2017. Initially playing for the Citizens’ Under-18 and Under-23 sides, he made his first-team debut in December 2018.

That was in the EFL Cup match and a Premier League debut followed in September 2019. The Barcelona-born starlet flirted with the senior side during 2019-2020.

But, following the resumption after the enforced Covid-19 break, he saw plenty of action at centre-back. However, he rejected the offer of a new contract last August and will be a free agent this summer.

A number of clubs were keen on the talented stopper. Arsenal were heavily linked during the January transfer window.

Read AlsoSemedo: Barcelona surprised me with sale decision

It was always thought that he would return to the Nou Camp but the Gunners seemed another option. However, Guardiola has now ended the hopes of any other suitors by confessing that Garcia’s future is set.

The Spanish tactician is a big fan of the player and feels he will go on to shine with Barca.

“Eric Garcia is like a son. He was a guy last season that after lockdown was our best central defender,” he said. “He never made a mistake and played in the quarter-final of the Champions League.”