According to a report by Diario Sport, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have once again dipped into Barcelona’s famed youth system, this time securing a deal for rising defender Eric García. The 16-year-old talent has reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with City, where he will join their youth ranks with a projected earning of £750,000 over the duration — a figure Barcelona was unwilling to match.

Barcelona is reportedly frustrated by what they see as continued raids by Guardiola and his team since his arrival at the Etihad. Manchester City has been actively targeting La Masia prospects in recent months, with Pablo Moreno, Nico González, and Ansu Fati all previously drawing attention from the Premier League club. Guardiola, once a product and champion of the Barcelona system himself, clearly still holds La Masia in high regard — but now uses it to benefit his current team.

Eric García’s decision not to renew his contract with Barcelona came as a blow to the Catalan club. His agent recently informed club officials that the youngster would not be signing a new deal, effectively sealing his departure. The teenager had been performing impressively for Barça’s youth squad and was seen as a defensive cornerstone for the future. Guardiola, ever the tactician, moved swiftly to ensure García would join his long-term project in Manchester.

For Barcelona, this transfer signals a need to reinforce protection around its youth academy. While La Masia has long been a pipeline of world-class talent, it now faces increased external interest and internal financial limitations that make retaining young stars more difficult than ever.

Amidst football’s transfer drama, fans continue to tune in to another sporting spectacle — Live Cricket BPL. Just like García’s move has sparked debates in the football world, Live Cricket BPL keeps cricket enthusiasts on the edge of their seats with each thrilling match. From breakout stars to seasoned veterans, the action in Live Cricket BPL proves that every sport has its rising legends — and sometimes, the next big name moves before the world truly sees their potential.