Barcelona’s search for a long term replacement for Sergio Busquets in the transfer market is unlikely to see much traction this summer due to their financial situation.
A move for Ilkay Gundogan is being targeted as a short term solution, but even then, there is a possibility that the Manchester City midfielder does not join at the end of the season when his contract expires.
If Busquets, whose own deal ends in June, decides to leave, Barcelona could be left without a natural pivot in their squad going into next season. As such, Xavi Hernandez is taking steps to reinforce the position.
According to Relevo, Eric Garcia has been trialled as a pivot during training in recent weeks, and he is said to have been convincing in the role. As such, he could be played there between now and the end of the season, with a view to succeeding Busquets.
Garcia has struggled for playing time this season, but a change of position could revitalise his Barcelona career. Club officials still believe in the 22-year-old, despite rumours about his possible departure this summer.
Image via Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Samuel6168
0
perfect
MkonoJr
1
Am seeing people asking if De Jong is not good enough. Actually Xavi might keep the four midfielders which means if Busquets leaves Eric can come in to play with De Jong. However am wondering what about Nico. He has been hindered by an injury but I think he can be a good DM.
Bosbntuz
0
so de jong is no longer good in that position ehh
Strangerthings
0
1.) Will you buy him for us 2.) Kimmich is the best not Rodri
If We’re going for Florian wirts and Bernardo Silva then rodri should be our priority. And kimmich isn’t as good as rodri as a pivot, he doesn’t even play single pivot. Rodri is the best single pivot in the world is what I said and I am correct
Zico_711
0
He is
Then what ?
Zico_711
0
Nico isn't a CDM
Then what ??
Zodkpuz
0
He is
He is a CM
Zico_711
1
My question is why not take Nico Gonzales back from loan and put him in the role he’ll try a lot I trust that poor boy
Sir_Davidofficial
0
How is that bias Bias over what Nico is not a DM
He is
Zodkpuz
0
He would succeed.And an upgrade to Busquets in terms of physicality and mobility
Zodkpuz
0
What we need is rodri, rodri was Made For Barcelona he is the closest thing to busquets in World football and the best pivot in the world,
1.) Will you buy him for us 2.) Kimmich is the best not Rodri
Zodkpuz
0
Barcelona has a CDM who is on loan. I'm surprised that they are not talking about him
Nico isn't a CDM
Zodkpuz
0
Is xavi OK at all? Where is Nico? Am so tired of this coach biased
How is that bias Bias over what Nico is not a DM
Wizzycletus
0
craziest news I've seen all my life. Garcia as a pivot! absolute joke
I think that's the best position for him, he will succeed in that position
BabaYaga2312
1
He might actually turn out to be quite good he’s an excellent passer of the ball even under pressure with the reduced pressure of defence he might be good who knows ?
wasrite01
0
Is xavi OK at all? Where is Nico? Am so tired of this coach biased
AdivhahoCollenN
0
Barcelona has a CDM who is on loan. I'm surprised that they are not talking about him
bobbklst
0
Very lazy defender poor guy, one of the lazy defenders in the world Eric Garcia 🔤
Strangerthings
0
What we need is rodri, rodri was Made For Barcelona he is the closest thing to busquets in World football and the best pivot in the world,
Strangerthings
0
craziest news I've seen all my life. Garcia as a pivot! absolute joke
He actually could, he is an excellent passer
AzuhDante
5
I see Pep in Xavi, that may be the solution with Eric because he has the energy and strength to play the role
rotabdlnrz
2
craziest news I've seen all my life. Garcia as a pivot! absolute joke