Barcelona have decided not to sell defender Eric Garcia this summer, reports Mundo Deportivo.
The Catalan giants have prioritised a massive clearout this summer to reduce their bloated wage bill and register new signings in the squad.
Garcia’s future has been the subject of intense exit speculation, with his name transfer-listed alongside several out-of-favour players.
Further doubts emerged about his future following the recent arrival of Inigo Martinez on a free transfer, which could push Garcia further down the pecking order.
However, Xavi has informed the Barca hierarchy that he wants to keep Garcia after holding talks with the centre-back.
A former La Masia graduate, Garcia returned to Camp Nou in 2021 on a free transfer from Manchester City but has struggled to establish himself as a regular.
Despite playing a prominent role in Barca finishing second in La Liga in 2021/22, Garcia lost his place in the starting XI due to the emergence of Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde last term.
Christensen was a surprise package as he exceeded expectations by forming a solid centre-back partnership with Ronald Araujo, which proved instrumental in Barca winning the La Liga title.
Kounde was also untouchable due to his versatility to play as a centre-back and full-back, thus limiting Garcia’s chances.
Garcia fared well whenever opportunities arose and was deployed as a holding midfielder on several occasions.
Barca have nearly completed their incoming transfer business, having added Martinez, Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu to their squad. Vitor Roque will join them next year.
