Aston Villa Given Chance to Acquire Recent Champions League Goalscorer

Aston Villa, still in the market for a central defender this January transfer window, has reportedly been presented with an opportunity to sign a La Liga defender who recently found the back of the net in a crucial Champions League fixture.

The Villans have already been active in the transfer market this month, securing the signatures of Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia from Levante. The latter acquisition, in particular, could prove interesting if Garcia manages to surpass Matty Cash in the pecking order and establish himself as Unai Emery’s first-choice right-back at Villa Park.

According to reports from Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Aston Villa has now been offered the chance to bring Eric Garcia on board this month. The defender has fallen out of favor at Barcelona but recently enjoyed a moment of glory, scoring an equalizer in the 86th minute of Barcelona’s thrilling 5-4 victory over Benfica in the Champions League.

With rumors circulating that Aston Villa may be stepping away from a deal for Sevilla’s Loic Bade, Garcia could emerge as an ideal alternative. At just 24 years old, the central defender already boasts Premier League experience and a winner’s medal from his time at Manchester City before his move to Barcelona.

During Garcia’s time at the Etihad, he earned high praise from Pep Guardiola, who highlighted the defender’s positional awareness, intelligence, and ability to read the game. Guardiola noted Garcia’s excellent vision and passing skills, despite not being the strongest in the air or the fastest player.

If Villa decides to pursue Garcia, they could potentially turn Manchester City’s previous loss into their gain, further strengthening what has already been an impressive January transfer window for the club.