The recent defeat to Girona was heartbreaking for the players and fans of Barcelona. La Blaugrana wanted to ensure victory, and looked to be doing just that for much of the game. However, beyond just crushing their league hopes, Barcelona have other business with Girona as well.
In the upcoming summer transfer window, there is bound to be a lot of business flowing from one place to another. For Barcelona, certain aspects of this business will directly concern their neighboring club in Catalonia, and three players in particular are expected to be discussed between the two sides.
Two of those players are Eric Garcia and possibly Oriol Romeu. Garcia, a loanee from Barcelona, is currently enjoying a strong season under the tutelage and guidance of Girona head coach Michel, while Romeu, who previously played in Girona, is struggling for minutes in Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona.
However, as per Mundo Deportivo, Michel himself seems to be quite eager to ensure that both these Barcelona players are at Girona next season: “I am very clear, I would like Eric and Oriol Romeu to return to Girona. Both would be top signings and I would like them to return.”
Romeu has already served as a pivot under Michel before, and enjoyed his time there before being purchased by Barcelona. However, given his unsuccessful stint under Xavi’s orders, it would not be a surprise to see him be open to a move back to Girona either. Similarly, Eric Garcia has found his best version as a footballer under Michel’s leadership, so it would once again not come as a surprise at all.
One more player that the Girona coach mentioned by name was Aleix Garcia. Currently both a captain and pivot of the team, he has been linked heavily to a potential move to Barcelona this summer and he has even publicly admitted his admiration for the club and his desire to one day represent it.
However, it is clear for Michel that the continuity of this Garcia is also pivotal: “I hope to see Aleix next season as well because he has a contract.”
Thus, the evolution of all three of these operations will be interesting to see in the summer. Girona and Michel apparently wish to have all three with continuity, whereas Barcelona will have to study exactly which players they are willing to let go of and for what exact price.
