Barcelona defender Eric Garcia could be in line for a starring role in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter, as he is in pole position to replace Jules Kounde. However, his future at the club looks set to be decided beyond next season.

Garcia's contract expires in the summer of 2026, and with director of football Deco keen to start next season without any players in the final year of their contracts, he remains an issue to be resolved. The Blaugrana would either cash in on Garcia or offer him a contract extension.

They appear to have opted for the latter, according to Sport. They claim that Deco and Barcelona have decided to offer him a new deal. Despite interest from elsewhere, Garcia has so far chosen Barcelona over other options and it is predicted that he will do so again, playing regularly as a squad option these days.

Hansi Flick's efforts to persuade him to stay at the club are said to have changed his mind, and so it was again in January. Como made an offer believed to be in the region of €8 million and Garcia was set to link up with Cesc Fabregas in Serie A, but Flick once again managed to keep him at the club.

Now Garcia faces a tricky decision. His role at Barcelona has grown in importance and he is now playing in most of the team's matches. However, this has been partly due to injuries to Marc Bernal and Marc Casado, and he is unlikely to be a regular starter this season or next when everyone is fit. Elsewhere, Garcia would probably have the chance to start week in, week out.