Man City sign Ruben Dias to open door on potential Eric Garcia exit
The Benfica defender has joined City as they look to strengthen at the back
Barcelona's route to Eric Garcia has opened up after Manchester City completed the signing of Benfica defender Ruben Dias, as requested by coach Pep Guardiola.
The move was confirmed on Sunday, with City paying 68 million euros with another three million in possible add ons. That figure includes the transfer of Nicolás Otamendi, who will move in the other direction for 15 million. Therefore, the English side will pay up to 53 million in cash for the Portuguese centre-back.
As for Barça, Dias' move to City could speed up talks for Garcia, who is keen to return to Camp Nou and has less than a year to go on his contract at the Premier League club.
Garcia has told City he doesn't plan on renewing and they have made defensive signings this summer. Nathan Ake had already arrived from Bournemouth before Dias' arrival, adding to Aymeric Laporte and John Stones, who are already on the club's books.
However, City and Barça still must agree a fee. City feel Barça's offers to date have not been high enough, while Barça don't want to pay over the odds for a player who can join for free next July.
First contact saw Barça offer 10 million, while City claim to value the player at 30 million. With one week to go in the window, a game of poker is now likely to be played between the two clubs. Barça want Garcia now. Do City really want to hold on to him when they know he will be gone next summer anyway?
