Manchester City to sign ‘jewel of La Masia’ from Barcelona in £1.3m deal this week

Manchester City are set to activate the €1.5m (£1.3m) release clause of highly rated Barcelona centre-back Eric Garcia before Friday according to Marca.

The 16-year old-is considered one of the most promising talents at La Masia – Barcelona’s acclaimed youth academy that brought through players such as Lionel Messi – and his exit from the club would signal another big loss after Jordi Mboula joined Monaco for €3m earlier days ago.

Garcia’s agent, ex-Barça player Carles Puyol, told the Catalan club that the player didn’t intend to remain and that both considered the youth project at City a more attractive setup than Barcelona’s. Garcia has high expectations at Barcelona with many comparing him to Gerard Pique in stature and style of play.

Radio Catalunya, who also report that the deal is imminent, add that City are signing Eric García on the express recommendation of Pep Guardiola, who sees a player of great potential.

After Manchester City’s £200m investment in the Etihad Campus a few years ago it is now one of the highest regarded youth facilities in the world that is now able to attract players from La Masia itself.