Report – How Barcelona manager Hansi Flick stopped 24-year-old ace’s January exit

The decision has been made. Unless there is an unexpected turn of events, Eric Garcia will remain at FC Barcelona, at least until the end of the current season.

Neither the extension of Ronald Araujo’s contract nor the interest from Girona and Como in acquiring his services will lead to the departure of the centre-back from the club.

Hansi Flick the key

Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick played an integral role in ensuring Garcia does not leave this month.

The German manager prevented Garcia’s exit last summer when Girona wanted him after his successful loan spell at the club.

The 24-year-old was considering the move, but Flick blocked his departure following injuries to Andreas Christensen and Marc Bernal, in addition to the ongoing absence of Araujo. Now, the situation has unfolded similarly several months later.

After being an important player during September, starting in several matches as a defensive midfielder, Garcia was sidelined for a few weeks due to an untimely injury.

The Spaniard’s return coincided with the recovery of other injured players, including Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and later Araujo, as well as the good form of Marc Casado. As a result, his playing time has significantly decreased in December and January.

This reduced involvement, coupled with the interest from Como and Girona, has led Garcia to consider leaving in the current winter transfer window. But Flick has once again managed to stop an exit.

How did Flick convince Garcia?

As per the report, after the match against Benfica, when Garcia came on as a substitute and scored a crucial goal, the player and coach had a conversation.

Flick, just as he did in the summer, closed the door to any potential move, informing Garcia that he could not allow him to leave.

The German tactician also expressed his confidence in the former Manchester City ace and how pleased he was with his work both in training and on the pitch, as well as his exemplary attitude in the dressing room. All this was enough to convince Eric to continue.

Flick does not want to lose Garcia as he provides flexibility in multiple positions – centre-back, defensive midfielder or as a right-back. The door is closed on a move, but the situation will be reassessed in the summer with his contract expiring in 2026.