Eric Garcia: The Barcelona wonderkid

With rumours circulating that Eric Garcia is closing in on a move back FC Barcelona, Manchester City VAVEL take a look at his career at City so far, what could have been, and what is in store for the talented youngster.

By Harri Burton25 January 2021 10:14 BST

PORTO, PORTUGAL - DECEMBER 01: Eric Garcia of Manchester City reacts during the UEFA Champions League Group C stage match between FC Porto and Manchester City at Estadio do Dragao on December 01, 2020 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Rumours have been floating in the air since the end of the 2019/20 season with Eric Garcia the subject. However, it seems now that the rumours were a likely possibility from the start and the Spanish youngster's time at the Etihad is coming to an end.

Youth career

Garcia was a child genius, working his way through the FC Barcelona ranks, impressing every big club and breaking records as he went.

The young man has shone in the Under-19 and Under-21 Spain sides, and was thrown straight into the captaincy role at Manchester City at Under-18 level and played in the UEFA Youth League at Under-19 level.

Since then, he has managed to push his way into the City first team, making several appearances. As well as this, the young Spaniard has recorded four appearances for the Spanish National side.

Time at City

Garcia had his fair share of doubters when signing for City, with his age, height and number of appearances against him. However, the Spaniard took to the pitch like a duck to water, with his most notable performance coming in an impressive 4-0 win against the newly crowned Premier League champions, Liverpool.

The game in which the ex-Barcelona academy player gained the respect of many Citizens is in the league win over Arsenal. He put his body on the line as goalkeeper Ederson clattered into the young centre-back in the closing stages of the game, forcing him off the pitch and into hospital with suspected concussion.

The Spaniard was back in no time though, with his next game being the rather convincing win over Liverpool.

It seems that with the revival of John Stones, and Ruben Dias being a rock at the back for City from the day he signed, Garcia has been unable to get a look-in and joins Aymeric Laporte on the Blues' bench.

This was a running theme throughout the 2019/20 season, also, with Pep Guardiola not willing to give the youngster time on the pitch until it was necessary, e.g. having too many injuries.

So if Garcia was frustrated with lack of game time, it was clear to see why with too many players ahead of him in the rankings.

Future in Spain

However, like all good players, Barça have come swooping in for the player. The Spanish giants have been impressed with their former centre-back and hope to see him back at the Camp Nou.

Understandably, Eric Garcia has been “squirreled” by Barça and has refused to sign another contract, according to reports from Sky Sports.

It is obvious to many that Garcia could have a long-lasting career at Barcelona, and could even be a captain one day - for Barcelona and Spain.

With his raw pace, passing capabilities and aeriel battling abilities, Garcia is a frightening opposition for any striker. However, the youngster has much more than that. His intelligent reading of the game, along with a natural instinct to lead at just 20 years old, makes for an exciting prospect at any club.

So whether Eric Garcia leaves in this January window, or waits until his contract is up at City, it looks as though the Spaniard will soon be a Barcelona player once again.