Eric García, warming up with Barça

GIRONA CLOSER TO RECLAIMING ERIC

The Redemption of Frenkie de Jong 'Sentences' Eric García at Barça

Published:16/01/2025 - 22:29h

Updated:19/01/2025 - 08:24h

Frenkie de Jong returned to Hansi Flick's XI against Betis (5-1), leaving very good impressions that seem to definitively close the doors for Eric García

Calendar of FC Barcelona

Unless there is a surprise, Eric García is set to become the first transfer of 2025 for FC Barcelona. The 24-year-old defender has overcome the pubalgia that kept him out of action for a month between October and November, but he has found himself without a place in Hansi Flick's plans following the returns of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, along with the 'redemption' of Frenkie de Jong who, just a few days ago, seemed doomed but regained prominence in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.

The player from Arkel barely played 17 minutes in the Supercopa de España, but reappeared in the lineup against Betis in Montjuïc (5-1). The '21' completed the 90 minutes with confidence, just as he did in the visit to Barbastro (0-4). Eric, for his part, also had no prominence in Arabia and only played 26 minutes against the 'verdiblancos', coming on for Araujo with the match already decided.

Given Girona's insistence on reclaiming him, it is very likely that his farewell will materialize before the winter market closes, as his chances of playing both in defense and in midfield, where he has been useful for the coaching staff in 2024-25, are minimal. The '24' has accumulated 664 minutes of play in 16 matches across all competitions, with 1 goal and 1 assist.

Frenkie de Jong will remain at Barça, at least, until June

After the 'hand' against Betis, Flick expressed his satisfaction with the Dutchman's performance. "He has delivered a good performance. I have been able to talk to him. He is happy", commented the German coach. Frenkie is under contract until 2026 and, for now, only has an offer from the Arab league to leave Barça. The club had extended an offer to renew, but the proposal expired several months ago, as 'Mundo Deportivo' reported.

Thus, Eric García is set to be, along with Ansu Fati, the 'sacrificed' of Barça in the winter market, regardless of what happens with Andreas Christensen. The Dane also has few opportunities to fight for a spot and is likely to return to the Premier League, as long as Barça receives an offer in the range of 15-20 million euros. Meanwhile, De Jong will continue to try to seize every opportunity to replace the currently untouchable Marc Casadó.