TA: Barcelona youth training said that Garcia should have been given a chance back then; they are currently negotiating with him about a contract extension.

Hupu reported on October 17 that TheAthleticUK Barcelona& British reporter team wrote Eric Garcia's column.

This is his redemption story at Barcelona - and why Flick needs him more than ever.

Garcia was born in Martorell, about 30 minutes' drive north of Barcelona. He joined the club's famous La Masia youth training when he was five years old. He captained every age group as he rose through the ranks, with the club making the most of his leadership qualities and early physical attributes.

At the time of his departure, it was agreed that he was La Masia's best defensive talent. His decision to move to Manchester City - when Pep Guardiola joined a year earlier - caused a stir in the local media.

Sources working in Barcelona’s youth training system at the time (who remain anonymous to defend their position) believe that given Garcia’s potential, Barcelona should give him a clearer path to the first team.

At that time, the teenager did not even get any possible chance to play in the Barcelona reserve team. The club also brought in a number of other young centre-backs, but none were successful.

Between 2014 and 2017, they signed Santiago Bueno, currently playing for Wolves, from the Uruguayan team Penarol, Jorge Cuenca, who plays for Fulham, from Alcorcon, and Senegalese defender Diawandu Diagne from the Belgian team Eupen.

Cuenca is the only player to represent Barcelona's first team, while Diagne is currently free.

Whether it is a competitive level or an economic level, Manchester City has provided Garcia with a better stage to show himself. He spent four years in Manchester, starting with the U18s and working his way up to the senior team (35 senior team appearances in total). His progress has been impeccable and Guardiola sees him as an extremely talented player.

But in the 2020-21 season, Garcia's third season with Manchester City, things have changed - thanks in part to Barcelona's movements.

The behind-the-scenes operations of Barcelona's sports direction department and La Masia mean that Barcelona has decided to try to renew their relationship. This time, he will be a first-team player.

Garcia is a die-hard Barcelona fan, so he was tempted. In the last 18 months of his time at Manchester City, he did not participate in any contract extension negotiations, which affected his status in the hearts of Manchester City fans. It's increasingly disappointing that this Premier League side is investing in and giving playing time to a man who doesn't appear to be planning to stay.

In order to realize his childhood dream, Garcia made a bold move-returning to Barcelona. But when he returned to Catalonia after four years away, Barca were in disarray.

(The middle paragraph is purely a narration description, no need to repeat it)

In the summer of 2024, Girona hopes to buy out Garcia. The defender was unsure of his role in the team under newly appointed Flick and was eager to leave, especially as Girona competed in the Champions League that year.

But when the transfer window closed, Christensen injured his Achilles tendon, and Flick decided to keep Garcia in the first team.

Last season, the Germans used Garcia as a valuable rotation player, mainly serving as a substitute defensive midfielder. Flick was pleased with Garcia's attitude, but there was renewed interest from other clubs in the January transfer window.

Girona are still interested in him, but Serie A side Como have made a clear pursuit of him. Garcia is entering the final 18 months of his contract with Barcelona and sporting director Deco is not opposed to selling a player who faces the risk of a free transfer in the next two summer transfer windows.

The turning point came in January in the Champions League match against Benfica. Garcia came on as a substitute for Conde in the 74th minute with Barcelona trailing 2-4. He scored the equalizer to level the score at 4-4, and with the help of Raphinha's winning goal, they eventually won 5-4.

Flick knew that he could not let Garcia go after that victory, so negotiations to sell him to Como were terminated.

Garcia's future has been determined since then, and Barcelona can no longer lose him. They are in talks with Garcia's team over a contract extension, and the player is willing to commit his long-term future to Barcelona.