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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Mark Critchley

Eric Garcia: Manchester City defender staying in final year of contract after Barcelona talks break down

Photograph: Getty Images

Eric Garcia will stay at Manchester City beyond Monday’s transfer deadline after Barcelona failed to match the Etihad club’s valuation.

The 19-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at City and has rejected the opportunity to extend his stay in Manchester as he wishes to return to his boyhood club.

Garcia was left out of Pep Guardiola’s matchday squad for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United as City and Barcelona held talks over a potential move.

The two clubs could not reach an agreement on a prospective transfer fee, with City hoping for a deal totalling £30m (£20m initial fee and £10m in add-ons - when negotiations began. 

City are understood to be willing to keep Garcia on their books if their valuation is not met, despite the risk of losing him on a free transfer in the summer.

Garcia joined City from Barcelona’s La Masia academy in 2017 and established himself as a first team squad member last season, making 20 appearances under Pep Guardiola.

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