Hansi Flick responds to claims of Barcelona star being on verge of January exit

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has on Friday spoken out regarding the renewed speculation linking Eric García with a departure from the club.

The name of versatile defender Eric has taken its place front and centre in the headlines in Catalunya across the day to date.

This comes amid claims that the former Manchester City man, after being deemed surplus to requirements by the Barcelona coaching staff, is on the verge of a return to Girona.

After Eric shone during a loan stint at the Estadi Montilivi last season, Girona are now understood to be ready to fork over €10 million to bring him in on a permanent basis.

Speaking to the media during his latest pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of Eric’s future was quickly put to boss Hansi Flick.

The German tactician, though, was keen to play the subject down, assuring:

“I don’t think Eric García will leave in the winter. For us, he is ours and he is a good player. He is an intelligent player that can play in different positions. We are not thinking about his departure at the moment.”

Conor Laird – GSFN