Star defender rejects new contract at City – Guardiola

JUST DAYS after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insisted that the English club are looking to tie down their young star defender, Eric Garcia to a new long-term contract, the tune has seemingly changed.

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This comes after Barcelona expressed interest in the 19-year-old, who left Barça’s La Masia academy three years ago and, in recent times, has broken into Guardiola’s first team. But with the youngster’s current contract due to expire in 2022, the Catalans were keen to bring Garcia back to Camp Nou with the view of succeeding defender-in-chief, Gerard Pique, in the long-term.

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed defender Eric Garcia is not interested in extending his current contract with the club (Image: Sourced).

Meanwhile, Guardiola confirmed the young centre-back does not want to extend his contract at the club but, instead, wants to “play in other places”. But it is presently unclear what destinations are probable for Garcia, who has made 19 appearances in all competitions for The Sky Blues this term.

“He announced to us that he doesn’t want to extend his contract with Manchester City,” said Guardiola in his latest press conference. “He has one more year and after that, he doesn’t want to extend. We want it but he doesn’t want to extend it – so, I imagine he wants to play in other places.”

Pep Guardiola Responds to Barcelona Interest in Eric Garcia | ht_media
Garcia left Barça’s La Masia academy three years ago and, in recent times, has broken into Guardiola’s first team (Image: Sourced).

Barcelona are currently on the lookout for a new central defender, with only Pique and Clement Lenglet expected to be at the club next season. Thus, Garcia is seen as the perfect solution to the Spanish giants current conundrum. Reports have suggested the Spanish outfit are planning to make a €10 million (R208 million) bid plus add-ons for the academy alumni.