Like Aguero, Eric Garcia Signed By Barcelona Free: Now Involved In High Release Clause

JAKARTA - Eric Garcia follows Sergio Aguero to Barcelona starting July 1 after the Manchester City centre-back's contract expires at the end of June.

According to Sky Sports, reported by Antara, the 20-year-old player will sign a contract that ends until the end of the 2025/2026 season with a release clause of 400 million euros (around Rp6.98 trillion).

Garcia, who graduated from Barcelona's La Masia youth academy before joining City in 2017 had turned down offers of a contract extension with the Premier League champions last summer.

Last October Barcelona had offered a proposal of 15.4 million pounds but was rejected by City because they wanted a price of 20 million pounds.

The presence of Eric Garcia is certain to enliven the competition at Barcelona's back line, which in addition to having Gerard Pique, the club managed by Ronald Koeman last season was also strengthened by Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti plus two young players Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza.

Garcia is considered to be Gerard Pique's successor in Barcelona's back line. Coach Ronald Koeman was indeed said to want additional energy at the back even though he already had a lot of stock players.

Eric Garcia's official introduction will be held on Tuesday afternoon (local time) and behind closed doors to comply with COVID-19 protocols.

Garcia is Barcelona's second new signing of the summer after the Catalan club recently signed Sergio Aguero from the same club.

Just like Aguero, Barcelona did not need to spend a dime to bring in the 20-year-old player who was also called up by the Spanish national team for Euro 2020.

Aguero's release clause alone is 100 million euros (Rp1.74 trillion).