Manchester City's football operations officer Omar Berrada has revealed the reasons behind the club rejecting an £18m summer bid for Eric Garcia from Barcelona.
The 19-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and will be available on a free transfer next summer having already signalled his intention not to sign an extension.
However, Man City refused to cash in on the centre-back on deadline day after receiving an £18m bid from Barcelona, which was £2m short of their minimum asking price.
The arrivals of Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake added to Man City's defensive ranks, but Berrada revealed that the club worked out that keeping Garcia for another season could be worth more than the £18m on offer from Barcelona.
"Eric has developed into an important player for us and played some important games, especially in the last few months – semi-finals of the FA Cup, quarter-finals of the Champions League," Berrada is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News.
"He's become a top young centre-back who Pep [Guardiola] trusts, and we feel that keeping him this season was worth more than what we were offered for him. We believe that he can add depth to the squad, and can be important in important games.
"This is a season that is going to be very difficult for the players, physically and mentally. It's very congested, there will be a lot of pressure to play many games both in terms of club competitions but also the international games that they have to play, so it is all very concentrated and congested.
"There is a high risk of injuries, there are risks of quarantine due to Covid so we've taken all that into account and taken the decision that we want him to stay. It is important to have more depth in the squad, especially in that position where we've had some unfortunate injuries over the last few years.
"I can't comment on other clubs' decisions and business. We had a conversation with Barcelona about Eric Garcia. We were very clear from the outset of what we felt his valuation was and they weren't able or willing to meet it so our decision was to keep him. We think he will be important for us this season."
Garcia enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, making 20 appearances across all competitions.
Barney Corkhill
