Stay or go? Uncertainty over Eric García's future at Barça

Published New:10/07/2025 - 19:05h

Updated New:10/07/2025 - 19:05h

Eric García hoped to start the preseason having renewed, but Barça has prioritized other matters. Although Flick is counting on him, a last-minute transfer is not ruled out

FC Barcelona has not yet defined the future of Eric García. In principle, the player from Martorell has the support of Hansi Flick to stay in the team, since the coach greatly values his versatility and professionalism to perform well in alternative positions. However, the defender's contract ends in 2026 and, for the moment, his renewal is on hold.

The board hoped to extend the contract of '24' with the club for at least three seasons during the month of June. However, the Azulgrana team starts the preseason next Monday and Eric has not yet signed his contractual extension.

Eric García: Why hasn't he renewed with Barça yet?

The reasons for the postponement of his renewal are to address other priority matters. Barça closed the signing of Joan García and was then very close to incorporating Nico Williams. Finally, the negotiation with the Basque player collapsed and the club resumed the list of pending renewals, starting with Wojciech Szczesny.

The next should be Frenkie de Jong, who, like García, has a contract that ends next year. The board does not want any player to start the season with the possibility of leaving for free in 2026. Not in vain, 'Tek' signed for two seasons, until June 2027, beyond being a veteran player (35 years old).

The only exception for now is the case of Robert Lewandowski. The Polish player will turn 37 in August and will most likely end up leaving in June 2026. De Jong's case is much more pressing, due to the high amount of his salary.

Calm in Barcelona about the future of Eric García

With Eric, on the other hand, there is no rush. The center-back wants to stay and Flick guarantees him an important role in 25/26, starting as the first alternative to the duo Pau Cubarsí-Iñigo Martínez alongside Ronald Araujo. In addition, the '24' showed conditions to lend a hand as a defensive pivot and/or right back in specific cases, which will make him an important piece in the team.

Last season, García played 45 games (19 as a starter) in which he scored 5 goals and 3 assists, with a total of 2,104 minutes played. Unless there is a surprise, Barça will not sign another center-back. On the contrary, the most likely thing is that they will get rid of one of the five available (Andreas Christensen).

Although Eric knows that he starts as a substitute and has several LaLiga clubs interested in him, he is confident in his ability to earn a place again. Girona was willing to put 10 million euros net to sign him in January, but the coaching staff convinced him to stay. This summer, Barça would not accept offers below 12-15 'kilos' in case of putting him on sale.