Como boss Cesc Fabregas has revealed that Barcelona defender Eric Garcia will not move this summer despite interest from the Italian club.
Garcia was believed to be close to joining Como in the winter transfer window after struggling for regular game time in the first half of the season.
The Serie A side were reportedly on the verge of agreeing a €7m (£5.9m) deal with Barcelona, only for Hansi Flick to block the transfer to keep Garcia at the club.
The Barcelona boss felt the defender was still an important player and was ultimately reluctant to let him leave the club in January.
Garcia has continued to play a squad role in the second half of the game, but his versatility has proven to be a valuable asset to Barcelona, demonstrated by the fact that he has recently provided cover at right-back for the injured Jules Kounde.
Fabregas makes Garcia admission
The 24-year-old, who can also play as a centre-back or defensive midfielder, has also shown he can make an impact at the opposite end of the pitch, scoring Barcelona’s first goal in Tuesday’s agonising extra-time defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final second leg.
Having proven to be a useful member of the Barcelona squad, Fabregas has conceded defeat in his pursuit of the defender despite confirming Como’s interest in a potential transfer.
“I confirm our interest in Eric Garcia, from Barcelona,” Fabregas told reporters ahead of Saturday’s Serie A clash with Cagliari.
“I like him a lot: he is versatile, a leader, important for the team. But he will stay at Barcelona.”
Fabregas deals blow to Tottenham’s transfer hopes
Fabregas’s comments could disappoint Tottenham Hotspur, who were recently linked with a move for the former Manchester City man.
Spurs and Como were said to be among five clubs interested in Garcia, along with the Spanish trio of Real Betis, Real Sociedad and Girona.
However, Garcia looks set to continue his journey with Barcelona, even if he will have to continue to settle for a squad role rather than enjoy regular starting opportunities.
With that said, he is likely to feature on the right side of defence when the Catalan giants face their arch-rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday.
