Damian Garcia has done well to keep his full focus on Peñarol amid swirling transfer links to Rangers.
The Uruguayan midfield talent, 20, has been the subject of plenty of transfer reporting surrounding the Ibrox club with the links originating in South America at the start of June.
As the chatter continues around new contracts, handshakes in Mexico, release clauses and transfer valuations, you’d forgive Damian Garcia for having his head turned.
But the young Uruguayan was spotted on the pitch for Peñarol amid all the reporting, the defensive midfielder playing 90 minutes in the club’s latest league match.
And after the game, Peñarol’s manager has provided a definitive update on the player’s contract situation and those Rangers links.
Peñarol’s Garcia ‘peace of mind’
Starting in a midfield berth, Damian Garcia played the entire game as Uruguayan Primera División hopefuls Peñarol were held 1-1 by Racing.
The midfielder’s presence on the park reiterates Peñarol’s clear commitment to keep Garcia at the club this summer despite the ’keen’ Rangers interest.
Peñarol manager Diego Aguirre had been clear throughout the summer that he wanted to keep the bulk of his squad together.
Needless to say, whilst confirming that the club have struck a new deal with the U20 World Cup Winner, the Uruguayan coach is delighted to have avoided a major headache.
“There was the possibility of some players leaving,” Aguirre told Carve Deportiva after the game.
“But I always said I wanted them to keep the squad at the base of this team that had a great first part of the year.
“Luckily it was achieved today.
“For me, what better reinforcement for Leo to stay, for Damián García to stay, for Guzmán to stay.
“Those are spectacular reinforcements that there were possibilities that they would leave and stay so it gives me peace of mind.”
Rangers transfer always a non-starter
Damian Garcia’s representation have been clear throughout that the U20 World Cup Winner will sign a new contract at the club.
Reports had suggested that a deal is close to completion after the Uruguayan club’s president met with Garcia’s agent at the TransferRoom conference in Mexico.
Speaking after the Racing game, former Peñarol director Gonzalo Moratorio provided some more details surrounding the contract of Damian Garcia.
Confirming that Peñarol are not prepared to leave the club in January, Moratario claims an improved two-and-a-half year deal has been struck with the release clause increasing by the transfer window.
“(Garcia) understood (that Peñarol were not prepared to let him leave) and it was not his intention to leave now,” Moritario told Uruguayan publication El Observador.
“This week he will sign, he will have a substantial improvement (salary), in exchange, Peñarol will stay two and a half more years with his contract with exit clauses in each period of passes, except in this one.”
Reports have suggested that Damian Garcia will have a $10m (£7.8m) release clause in the deal but earlier valuations have rated the player at almost half that amount.
With Peñarol clear Damian Garcia will be going nowhere this transfer window, the situation is worth keeping an eye on heading into the winter.
