Man City News

Report: Man City advances rejected by “very intelligent” 6ft sensation valued at £30m

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After revealing that Eric Garcia had rejected Man City’s advances over a new contract on Thursday, manager Pep Guardiola faces the prospect of him leaving for Barcelona after numerous links – and the club have now reportedly slapped a £30 million price tag on the defender. 

Indeed, as per the BBC, City are prepared to keep the Spaniard for another year if they do not receive a suitable offer around his valuation – and the Sky Blues could have plenty to think about as we prepare for life without the promising 6ft sensation.

Who should replace Eric Garcia?

Tosin Adarabioyo

Taylor Harwood-Bellis

A new signing...

Hammer blow for Guardiola…

Our boss has made no secret of his admiration for Garcia in the past, lauding him as a ‘very intelligent‘ future asset who can lead our entire defensive line almost single handed.

So much so, ever since our return to action from a nationwide lock down, the 19-year-old has started an array of matches and has even been trusted for some of our biggest encounters in that time.

The teenager was handed starts against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, impressing in both games, and we allegedly consider his potential to be worth £30m.

Youth alternatives…

One youngster who significantly impressed whilst out on loan is Tosin Adarabioyo, with the 22-year-old starting 33 Championship matches for Blackburn over 2019/2020.

According to WhoScored, the 6ft 5 youngster averaged 4.7 clearances per 90 in that time whilst completing 80.3% of his passes out from the back.

Given his noteworthy stint in England’s second tier, it’s not unfeasible to consider Tosin as a rotation option in Garcia’s stead if he completes a move to Barcelona before next season.

What the pundits say…

Last summer, ex-Man City fan favourite Micah Richards described Garcia as ‘the future’ to Sky Sports via Manchester Evening News, claiming that while he is still ‘learning’ there is a certain confidence about him.

“He certainly is the future,” Richards told Sky Sports.

“I’ve watched him on many occasions this season. He plays with confidence, freedom, he’s still learning.

“I don’t think we can say he’s the answer, they’ve still got young Taylor [Harwood-Bellis] as well, who has impressed me this season.

“I think it’s an area where they need to get sorted out.”

The final verdict…

Of course, it’s difficult to say what might have been if he does leave for the Nou Camp before 2020/2021, but given Guardiola’s admiration for him, it’s a very unwelcome blow.

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