Silently and without making too much noise, Ronald Araújo has regained his place at the heart of Barça's defense. After months marked by physical discomfort and technical decisions, the Uruguayan has returned to his best version. Hansi Flick has known how to recover him, and that has had direct consequences on the club's planning.
With Jules Koundé consolidated on the right side and Íñigo Martínez responding with authority, the defensive area seems closed. That leaves another center-back out of the picture, who had dreamed of regaining prominence this season. The affected player now has one foot out of Camp Nou.
Victim of Flick's Defensive Order
Since Hansi Flick took control of the team, he has established very clear roles. Eric has gone from being a useful piece to being the fourth option. Despite his versatility and professional attitude, the minutes haven't come, and patience is starting to run out.
The German coach has made it clear that his priority is Araújo and Íñigo as the starting pair, with Andreas Christensen as the natural replacement. Eric has been relegated to the Cup or non-significant matches, a situation that doesn't fit with his expectations. At 23 years old, he needs continuity and prominence.
In this context, Real Sociedad has appeared with a very concrete offer. Imanol Alguacil seeks to strengthen his defense for the next season and sees Eric García as a market opportunity. The txuri-urdin club already inquired about him in January, but Flick retained him out of necessity.
Now that the defense is more solid, Barça is open to negotiating. According to sources close to the club, the offer would be around 20 million euros, a figure that would allow Barça to free up salary mass and generate immediate income. Everything points to the agreement being closed before the summer.
A Promising Future, But Far from Camp Nou
Eric has always been a committed player. He arrived with the label of "strategic signing" after his time at Manchester City. Xavi Hernández trusted him in his first months, but he never managed to establish himself as indisputable.
With the emergence of young players like Pau Cubarsí and the firm commitment to Araújo, Eric's future has narrowed. Real Sociedad offers him something he doesn't currently have in Barcelona: minutes, confidence, and a leading role in a European project.
From the club's offices, there is no resistance. Deco and Joan Laporta know that Eric needs to play and that keeping him as a substitute doesn't benefit anyone. Moreover, the figure offered by Real would allow more flexibility in the market.
The only reason the operation wasn't closed earlier was due to doubts about injuries in defense. But with Araújo in full form and Christensen close to full recovery, the path is clear. Flick hasn't requested him as a key piece, and that's enough to activate his departure.
Eric Says Goodbye... Because of Araújo
In short, Araújo's permanence in the team has closed the door to others. The Uruguayan has become indisputable again, and his level has caused a domino effect in the defense. The first to leave will be Eric García, who will be transferred to Real Sociedad for about 20 million.
A beneficial operation for all parties. Barça gains liquidity, Real strengthens its defense with a center-back for the future, and Eric regains the opportunity to be a protagonist in a competitive club. All for a simple reason: Araújo returned, and there's no room for everyone.