Barcelona ready to include Eric Garcia as part of player-plus-cash swap deal to sign PSV Eindhoven star: Reports
Barcelona are reportedly prepared to offer defender Eric Garcia and cash to PSV Eindhoven for the transfer of midfielder Jerdy Schouten. La Blaugrana have been interested in the Dutch midfielder since the summer window, and have now decided to pursue a deal in January, reports indicate.
Netherlands international Schouten has been one of the standout players for PSV over the last year, helping them win the Eredivisie in the 2023-24 season. The 27-year-old midfielder also featured in all six games for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, and has already made six appearances this season for PSV.
Barcelona were interested in Schouten in the summer, but the club's finances, coupled with the emergence of Marc Bernal and Marc Casado prevented a move from happening. Injuries to several of the club's midfield options have now caused a shift in the mindset of the club with regards the Dutchman.
Spanish news outlet El Nacional reports that Barcelona will look to pursue a deal for Schouten by including Eric Garcia in their offer to PSV. The Spanish defender has long been linked with a move away from the club, having enjoyed a loan spell at Girona in the 2023-24 season.
The report indicated that La Blaugrana will offer to pay €10 million in addition to Garcia for the midfielder, whose valuation is around €35 million. The club is keen on avoiding overpaying for the former Bologna man due to its lack of cash, and this is despite his contract running until 2028.
Garcia has failed to find a starting berth in defense for Hansi Flick's side, with Inigo Martinez and teenage sensation Pau Cubarsi preferred to him. He has mostly featured in defensive midfield for the club, but will be keen to move elsewhere and play regularly.
Barcelona youngster ready for first-team step up
Highly rated Barcelona youngster Pau Prim is ready to make the step up to the first-team after the spate of injuries to their midfielders, as per Diario SPORT. The 18-year-old midfielder is regarded as one of the finest talents in the club's academy system, but has yet to receive a call to join the first team.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Prim is a starter for Barcelona Atletic, where he is one of the team's stalwarts. The emergence of Marc Bernal last season forced him to take a back seat, but he has emerged as a top talent so far this season. The youngster was in contention to be named in the club's squad for their tour of the USA in the summer, but Bernal was picked instead.
With Marc Casado the only fit defensive midfielder in the senior squad, an invitation may soon be extended to Prim to provide cover. The youngster is regarded as the best defensive midfielder in the club's youth system for his intelligence and reading of the game. Hansi Flick has shown his trust in youth at the club, and may soon call on Prim, as well.