Barcelona re-sign Eric Garcia and place huge exit clause in contract
Eric Garcia has become the second player to leave Manchester City and sign for Barcelona in 24 hours after they confirmed the capture of their former defender.
Garcia has struggled for game-time at the Etihad, with John Stones, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake all ahead of him. And with his contract expiring on June 30, he has long been touted to return to Barcelona. That move has long since been confirmed by Pep Guardiola.
And now his signing has been made official after Barcelona confirmed Garcia will sign a five-year deal from July 1.
Barca have announced they have also included a buyout clause of €400m in the 20-year-old’s deal.
Garcia’s youth career began at hometown club Barcelona before he moved to City in 2017. He made 12 appearances as Pep Guardiola’s side won the Premier League title this season but started just three matches.
On Monday, Barca agreed a two-year deal with City striker Sergio Aguero.
Garcia can’t resist dig at Man Utd
“Going back to Barcelona is a brave bet,” he told L’Esportiu (via Football Espana).
“I’ve thought about my future, what I think is the best [thing to do] and I’m convinced it’s the step I’ve taken.”
1⃣0⃣ things you need to know about @ericgm3
#EricCuler pic.twitter.com/wH88GMF4C8
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 1, 2021
Garcia will follow in the footsteps of Gerard Pique, who was a Barca youth player before moving to Manchester to play for City’s rivals United early in his career, and then returning to the Catalan club.
The 20-year-old played down comparisons between himself and Pique. But he couldn’t resist taking aim at United in the process.
“Gerard has achieved everything. He’s one of the best centre-backs in the world,” he said. “The only possible comparison is this: we’re both from La Masia and we lived in Manchester. But he went to a not-so-good team.
“I’ve had more luck and have been able to play for the best team in Manchester, a pity for him.”
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