Pep Guardiola hoping to ‘seduce’ Eric Garcia into Man City contract extension
The Spanish defender was keen to join Barcelona this summer with his deal at the Etihad set to expire next year
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is hopeful he can “seduce” Eric Garcia into extending his contract after picking the 19-year-old to start in Wednesday's 3-1 Champions League victory over Porto.
The Spain international has entered his final year of his contract at the Etihad, with rumours of a move back to boyhood club Barcelona during the most recent transfer window.
But Guardiola is keen to retain Garcia’s services for the long-term, despite the additions of Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias this summer.
"I know he wanted to leave but he's going to stay and maybe we can seduce him in this year to extend the contract with us," Guardiola said.
"He's a guy who is so stable in many things and we're so happy."
Aymeric Laporte will resume training on Thursday after picking up an injury, while Ake has been managing a groin issue.
Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho, another option as a centre-back, will miss up to six weeks now though, having suffering a leg injury against Porto.
City visit in-form West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday before a European away day in Marseille, which should provide more opportunities for Garcia.
“The schedule is so demanding,” Guardiola conceded. “We need all the players.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments