Eric Garcia, a central defender for Barcelona, is on loan to Girona for the next 2023–24 La Liga season.

The Spanish international returned to the club where he spent nine years (from 2008 to 2017) as a young player after leaving Manchester City on a free transfer three years ago.

In 70 games since his return to Catalonia, Garcia has scored once and assisted on two more, although he has seen his chances of starting decrease significantly since Xavi assumed leadership.

Garcia only started 15 La Liga games for the 2022-23 champion Blaugrana due to competition for playing time from Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, and Andreas Christensen.

Inigo Martinez’s transfer from Athletic Bilbao to Girona has relegated Garcia to the bench, thus the 22-year-old will look for more playing time with Girona next season.

Garcia’s contract at Camp Nou continues until the summer of 2026, and Barcelona has clarified that his transfer to Girona is a direct loan with no option or obligation to purchase.

With two victories and a draw from their first three games in the 2023-24 La Liga season, Girona now sits in third place, behind only Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.