Yahoo Sports Barcelona 23-year-old returning loanee’s future could change based on multiple factors
FC Barcelona are currently in a state of disarray, and the season hasn’t even started yet.
Several first-team regulars are at risk of missing the beginning of the campaign and among those are key midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, along with defender Ronald Araujo.
To make matters worse, Inigo Martinez’s registration is uncertain, leaving a gap in the defence that urgently needs to be filled.
In light of these events, a report from SPORT has suggested that these challenges might impact the future of Eric Garcia at the club.
Currently, Garcia is focused on the Olympic Games. However, once the Olympics conclude, he will join Barcelona’s pre-season preparations.
Hence, it is anticipated that the defender will have limited time to train under the new coach because he might be in Paris until August 5th if Spain reaches the final. This is just ten days before Barcelona’s first league match against Valencia at Mestalla.
Barcelona have a lot to sort out
It is said that the final squad will be decided only after August 1st. Currently, Araujo, who is injured and may not return until mid-September, Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde, and Andreas Christensen are expected to be key players.
Martinez, who played little in his first year at Barcelona, remains unregistered for the upcoming season, casting doubts on his future. Clement Lenglet is also expected to leave the club.
Amidst all this, Garcia’s situation remains uncertain, but the competition for a spot appears to be between him and Martinez, with the latter having an advantage due to being a natural left-footer despite his registration issues and salary concerns.
Things have changed for Garcia
Araujo’s injury and Martinez’s registration issues, coupled with Barcelona’s ongoing ‘fair play’ financial problems, have slightly shifted Garcia’s position at the club.
However, the situation at Barcelona is so unpredictable that it is impossible to say for sure whether Garcia will be part of the first team.
The former Man City man has proven his worth during his time at Girona. Furthermore, his versatility could offer many tactical options for the new coach, making him a valuable asset for the team.
As the new season approaches, Barcelona face significant challenges with key players potentially missing the start and uncertainties in their defensive lineup. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining how the team navigates these obstacles and finalises the squad.
