Barcelona defender will not leave in the summer, will have a new role next season

With Barcelona looking to make cuts to their wage budget for next season, there are several players who could be shown the doors in the summer. And defender Eric Garcia was said to be among the stars who could be axed.

But, according to a fresh report from Javi Miguel of AS, there seems to have been a change in stance with regard to Eric Garcia’s status at the club.

As per the report, manager Xavi Hernandez will continue to count on the former Manchester City ace next season. The Spanish international’s continuity at the club is all but guaranteed at this point, but with a small caveat, which is that he will have a new role next season.

Indeed, the report states that Garcia will be counted as a defensive midfielder by the Barcelona coaching staff for next season instead of his natural role as a centre-back. This would be regardless of whether club captain Sergio Busquets renews or leaves.

Essentially, Garcia would become an option for the pivot position in the middle, vacating the spot in defence for the incoming Inigo Martinez.

As per the report, Xavi and his staff are very satisfied with what they have seen from Eric, even though he has not played a great deal this season. The ex-Man City ace started as a defensive midfielder against Elche earlier this month and gave a very good account of himself in that game.

It is claimed that the coaching staff values his ability on the ball and his capability to combine with his teammates as well as his defensive strength and believes he can be converted into a very effective pivot midfielder.

It was director Jordi Cruyff who put forth the idea of using Garcia as a defensive midfielder after it became clear that the club cannot sign preferred target Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer.

Now, Xavi has full confidence in the 22-year-old over his new role. Furthermore, the youngster’s maturity and mental strength were also determining factors in the club deciding to stick with him and not offload him in the summer.