La Liga giants Barcelona failed to acquire all of their targets in the current transfer window due to the economic instability at the club. The coronavirus pandemic has had adverse effects on top European clubs including Barcelona. Therefore, the club did not sanction big-money moves like Lautaro Martinez.
Koeman did opt for Memphis Depay as a cheap alternative but the transfer was rejected by La Liga on grounds of the salary caps. If Ousmane Dembele had accepted his loan deal to join Manchester United for a season, it would have been easier for Barcelona to snap up the Dutch striker.
Barcelona failed to meet its objectives in the transfer window
Barcelona also failed to consolidate their defensive line as they could not sign Eric Garcia from Manchester City. According to Marca, the Catalan outfit was only two million euros short of the asking price and still, the Premier League club did not agree to the terms. It is indeed quite surprising for a club like Manchester City who maintain a high revenue reject a transfer deal just for two million euros. Moreover, the club made two center-back singings in the transfer break, namely Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias, replacing Nicolas Otamendi.
Manchester City official clarifies why negotiation with Barcelona broke down
City representative and Football operations Officer Omar Berrada justified why his side did not agree to the negotiations. Berrada is responsible for the transfer plans and budget related issues for the Manchester outfit. He claims that the former La Masia graduate is an important member of the squad and is developing rapidly. Pep Guardiola has faith in the defender and has already played in some big matches like the FA Cup semifinals and the Champions League quarters.
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Berrada assured Garcia will be utilized as the team requires enough squad depth to compete in Champions League as well as the Premier League. He clarified the impact of sudden injuries and so quick replacements are required to be available. This made Manchester City reconsider their decision over the future of the 19-year-old and did not allow him to complete his dream move. City believes Eric is worth more than what Barcelona was offering. Barca will get another chance to sign the centre-back as there are options in the winter transfer window. Nevertheless, Eric Garcia will run out of his contract in 2021 and the Blaugrana can snap him up without paying any fees.
