Barcelona defender Eric Garcia is one of the success stories of Hansi Flick’s year in charge. Deemed surplus to requirements by many last summer, and on the verge of leaving in January, Garcia ended up playing an important role in their run to three trophies last season. He is now set to receive his reward.

Operating first as a defensive midfielder under Flick, before then replacing Jules Kounde as their right-back when the Frenchman was ruled out of their Champions League semi-finals againt Inter, the 24-year-old impressed both defensively and going forward. Crucial goals against Benfica and Inter got the Blaugrana close to their first Champions League final in a decade.

New contract on the horizon for Eric Garcia

Since the spring, Garcia has been tipped to extend his deal at Barcelona, but their transfer business, registration issues, and delays to Frenkie de Jong’s extension have put the negotiations on the backburner. Now Director of Football Deco appears to be looking to make progress with the deal though. According to Sport, their plan is to have a contract wrapped up before the end of 2025, which will be five years long, lasting until 2030.

Hansi Flick is rotating more this season, but four players have been untouchable so far. Joan García, Pedri and Lamine Yamal have played every single minute (270), while Eric García has only missed five. @sergidejuan9

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 7, 2025

Garcia will be 29 by that point, and seems to be keen to remain at Barcelona too. If the Blaugrana do not stick to that timeline, then other clubs will be able to sign Garcia on a free in January.

Positional uncertainty

Flick has used Garcia in three different roles, and last Sunday against Rayo Vallecano, he was handed an increasingly rare start at centre-back alongside Andreas Christensen. Of late, he has excelled most as a right-back, and the competition in central midfield means he appears less likely to return there. For Garcia himself, the challenge will be competing for a starting spot, rather than being regarded as a strong alternative. Certainly his recent form has put Kounde’s performances under pressure.