Manchester City chief Omar Berrada says they're prepared for Eric Garcia to run down his contract.
He insists Garcia is worth more to them than Barcelona's final £18million offer.
Berrada told the Manchester Evening News: “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.
“He's become a top young centre back who Pep 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."
He added: “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."
