Barcelona handed boost as defender set to be available for La Liga opener against Valencia – Reports

In what will come as music to the ears of Barcelona fans, Eric Garcia will be eligible for their 2024-25 La Liga opener against Valencia on August 17. Garcia was on loan at Girona last season. His availability for Barcelona’s first match this season was under speculation after he was shown his fifth yellow card in the final game against Granada last season.

Under normal circumstances, as Garcia got his fifth yellow card in the league, he was supposed to be suspended for the next match. However, it seems like that protocol was set aside for the La Masia graduate. He has now been confirmed eligible to play against Los Ches at the Mestalla Stadium on Saturday.

As per the RFEF disciplinary rule, when a competition finishes or a team is eliminated, any pending suspensions from yellow or red cards must be served in the next season. The rule is also applicable even if the players go to another team or another tier of football in the country. However, this carrying over is only applicable if the suspension is due to red cards or double yellow cards.

In other words, if Eric Garcia was shown a red card, it would've affected his ability to play in Blaugrana's opening La Liga match of the 2024–25 season. However, as it’s a yellow card, the suspension will not be carried over to the new campaign.

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Sporting CP are interested in Barcelona Vitor Roque – Reports

Sporting CP are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona's out-of-favor Vitor Roque. The striker has been a hot topic on Barca’s list of outgoing players lately. The Brazilian initially rejected the offer to join Saudi Pro League clubs before Barca reportedly told him to find a new club. He risks not being registered if he decides to stay.

As per Mundo Deportivo, Sporting CP have initiated discussions with FC Barcelona regarding a potential agreement for the former Athletico Paranaense player. Barca, currently engaged in a player exit operation, are reportedly seeking either a transfer or loan for the Brazilian. The same source indicates that Sporting are actively exploring options to make an initial offer to the club, chaired by Joan Laporta.

Meanwhile, before Sporting CP entered the picture of the clubs wanting to sign Roque, Everton had reportedly tabled an offer of around €25 million for him. However, Barcelona rejected it as they are keen to recoup a substantial amount of the money they invested in him last year.