Barcelona's First Departure of the Winter Window Nears Completion: A Free Signing Sold for €10 Million in a Win-Win-Win Deal

The 2025 winter transfer window is officially open, and Barcelona's squad overhaul is already underway. On January 3, Spanish outlet Cadena SER reported that Eric García is on the verge of joining Girona in a deal worth a total of €10 million. This move is expected to mark the first departure of Barcelona's winter transfer activity, coinciding with the registration of Dani Olmo and Víctor Roque in the squad.

According to Cadena SER, Girona made an official approach to Barcelona to secure the services of Eric García. Girona's head coach, Míchel, is reportedly a strong admirer of the versatile defender and has pushed for his signing. The proposed transfer fee of €10 million is seen as a significant financial boost for Barcelona, a club that has faced ongoing economic challenges in recent years.

Eric García’s Journey: From Manchester to Barcelona to Girona

Eric García, 24, joined Barcelona in the summer of 2021 on a free transfer from Manchester City. Initially heralded as a promising addition to the squad, García struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter in the highly competitive Barcelona backline.

During the 2023-24 season, García was loaned to Girona, where he enjoyed a standout campaign. Featuring in 30 La Liga matches and scoring five goals, he played a pivotal role in Girona's unexpected rise as one of the league's surprise packages. His performances earned him praise and established him as a key figure in Girona's squad.

However, upon returning to Barcelona, García found his opportunities limited. With Jules Koundé and Iñigo Martínez cementing their places as the first-choice center-back pairing, and with Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen nearing full fitness, García has slid further down the pecking order.

Financial Realities Drive the Decision

While Barcelona manager Hansi Flick publicly denied any plans to offload García, stating, "He is an important player for us who can play in multiple positions," the financial realities of the club suggest otherwise. García is currently viewed as the fifth-choice center-back, and his departure would free up valuable salary space while bringing in €10 million in transfer fees.

For Barcelona, this deal is less about footballing considerations and more about financial necessity. The club remains under pressure to balance its books, and García's departure would represent a step toward alleviating their fiscal concerns.

A Transfer That Benefits All Parties

This move is shaping up to be a rare win-win-win scenario:

1. For Eric García: The transfer offers him a chance to reignite his career at a club where he is highly valued. At Girona, García is likely to be a regular starter, providing him with the consistent playing time he needs to continue developing.

2. For Girona: Reuniting with García bolsters their defensive options as they aim to compete on multiple fronts, including La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. García's familiarity with the team and his proven abilities make him a perfect fit for their ambitions.

3. For Barcelona: The €10 million fee provides much-needed financial relief, while García's departure clears room in the squad for other players and reduces the wage bill. This move also helps facilitate the registration of new signings like Dani Olmo and Víctor Roque, further strengthening the squad.

Awaiting the Official Announcement

Although the deal has yet to be officially confirmed, all indications point to its imminent completion. Reports suggest that negotiations are in their final stages, and an announcement could be made within hours.

For García, the move represents a new chapter in his career, while for Girona, it is a statement of intent as they continue to solidify their position as one of La Liga's rising forces. For Barcelona, it is a pragmatic decision that underscores the club's need to navigate financial constraints while maintaining competitiveness on the pitch.

As the 2025 winter transfer window unfolds, this deal could set the tone for further activity in what promises to be an intriguing period for Barcelona and their rivals.