Hansi Flick decides on Eric Garcia’s best position for Barcelona ahead of 2026-27 season

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 11: (L-R) Eric Garcia of FC Barcelona, coach Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Real Madrid at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on May 11, 2025 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Eric Garcia has performed a number of different roles for Barcelona this season under Hansi Flick and has become a key player for the German coach.

Flick has said this season he thinks Garcia could be a future captain of the side and is already reportedly planning on how best to use the Spain star in the 2026-27 campaign.

According to Diario Sport, Flick wants Eric to establish himself as a right-back next season rather than in central defence or midfield where he’s also featured for Barcelona.

Flick actually started Garcia in that position in El Clasico, dropping Jules Kounde to the bench, and Sport say that decision was taken with a view to Eric being used primarily in that position next season.

Kounde will therefore have to battle Garcia for a place in the starting XI net season. The Frenchman has been linked with a summer exit, but there’s been no indication he’s interested in leaving.

Flick also has Xavi Espart available and will need to make a decision on Hector Fort who is due back from a loan spell with Elche.

The Barca boss has talked up Espart, saying he’s a good option for next season, but if Eric and Kounde are his right-backs, then the youngster may find game time hard to come by,