Barcelona centre-back wanted by Newcastle

Jacque Talbot

24 Dec 2024 10:30 GMT
4 min read

Newcastle United have emerged as contenders to sign Barcelona centre-back Eric García during the upcoming January transfer window.

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According to a report from Sport, the Magpies have put forward an offer for the 23-year-old, which Barcelona reportedly finds “more interesting” than other potential options.

This season, the Spanish international has logged just 541 minutes across 13 appearances in all competitions, with only four starts. Despite his potential, García has been unable to solidify his place in the starting XI under Hansi Flick.

Given Barcelona’s ongoing financial challenges, the club may be looking to offload García in January to generate funds and trim their squad.

Current ETV

Eric García

D (CR)

Barcelona

Eric García

D (CR)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€12.6M - €21M

While Barcelona seems open to negotiating his departure, García himself is reportedly not eager to make a mid-season move. The former Manchester City defender remains determined to fight for his spot at Camp Nou and is said to be considering a transfer only in the summer.

Indeed, FootballTransfers broke the initial interest of Newcastle.

The LaLiga giants would be open to letting the defender leave for a cut price of €25 million, an amount which could entice the Magpies to the negotiating table.

Newcastle are wrestling with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) restrictions still and the priority remains adding a right-winger, but we are told that sporting director Paul Mitchell wishes to bring in value-for-money additions.

The Tyneside club are looking forward to welcoming back Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman, with both centre-backs set to return from long-term injuries in the coming months.

Garcia is deemed one of the possible names who could replace former Nottingham Forest man Lascelles and is on the club's shortlist.

Meanwhile, Dan Burn, though versatile and reliable, is now 32 years old and there are question marks over this long-term fitness.

Newcastle, Chelsea eye Garcia

Newcastle famously failed to bring in Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace during the summer window with four unsuccessful bids, two of which were record offers from the club.

But their capricious form in front of goal has led Eddie Howe to make the right flank the main concern in the market. Miguel Almiron looks almost certain to leave, leaving Jacob Murphy as the only other player on that side of the pitch for the Magpies.

In addition to Newcastle, we are told that Chelsea are also in the market for a centre-back this January, with Garcia among their list of potential targets.

The Blues have expressed an interest in the defender and sources inform us that Barcelona are hoping to offload him and several fringe players in the January transfer window.