Manchester City midfielder Aleix Garcia set for La Liga move – report – City Watch

Manchester City will loan out highly-rated young midfielder Aleix Garcia to newly-promoted La Liga side Girona FC next season according to Ara and Radio Catalunya.

The 19-year-old was on the fringes of Pep Guardiola’s first-team last season, making 8 appearances in all competitions and scoring against Swansea City in the EFL Cup.

And according to reports, Girona are set to bolster their squad after joining Spain’s top flight by bringing in Aleix for 2017-18 season. He’ll be joined by returning City teammate Pablo Maffeo, the 19-year-old right-back who helped the Catalan club reach La Liga.

Maffeo’s return to Girona may confirm that City are in the market for two right-backs this summer, as it will leave them without a single right-back on the books. Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna and Jesus Navas have all left the club, and Blues chiefs are still trying to strike a deal with Tottenham for England international Kyle Walker.

In addition to Garcia and Maffeo, Girona were also interested in Enes Ünal before he left for Villarreal in a big money deal. Teenage prodigy Brahim Diaz could also join on loan if Girona are successful in convincing City.

The relationship between Man City and Girona is expected to strengthen following Girona’s promotion, and could become a formal partnership this summer. Girona are not technically part of the City Football Group, but it has been suggested the partnership could soon be in writing.

With Girona now in La Liga and another partner club, NAC Breda, promoted to the top tier of Dutch football, City now have improved loan options for young players and some of the club’s best prospects could be sent to the two clubs ahead of next season.