Barcelona is working hard to complete its first transfer of the summer. The Spanish champions want to sign goalkeeper Joan García from city rivals Espanyol as soon as possible, in order to beat the competition from the Premier League.
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García has been linked with a move away from Espanyol for several months now, as his standout performances in the 2023/24 La Liga season did not go unnoticed.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise inconsistent campaign for Espanyol, helping the club secure a mid-table finish despite numerous defensive shortcomings. His composure under pressure, excellent shot-stopping ability, and confidence with the ball at his feet have drawn the attention of several top European clubs. Among those, Premier League giants Arsenal, Manchester City, and Newcastle United were reportedly monitoring his situation closely. Each club is either in the process of reshaping its goalkeeping department or looking for a long-term successor to their current number one, making García a highly attractive option.
Earlier in the year, Bayer Leverkusen had also shown serious interest, reportedly considering García as a possible addition to strengthen their squad depth ahead of a packed European calendar. However, the German side shifted their focus to Mark Flekken, a Dutch international who is expected to finalize a move soon. With Leverkusen and some Premier League suitors stepping back or redirecting their attention elsewhere, Barcelona saw an opportunity to strike quickly and decisively.
According to multiple Spanish outlets, as well as the ever-reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona is now on the verge of securing a personal agreement with García. The player is said to be enthusiastic about the move, not only because of the prestige of joining a club like Barça, but also because it would allow him to remain in his hometown. The transition would be smoother for the young goalkeeper, both personally and professionally, and the chance to fight for a place at one of the biggest clubs in the world is understandably appealing.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this potential transfer is the relatively low release clause in García’s contract. Espanyol inserted a €25 million clause in his deal, a figure that, by today’s market standards for a young, talented, and already proven goalkeeper, is considered modest. Barcelona reportedly sees this as a bargain and is eager to finalize the deal before other suitors reignite their interest during the transfer window.
The Catalan club is said to be negotiating a long-term contract with García, and discussions have reached such an advanced stage that Barça’s management is already planning with him in mind. This development adds complexity to an already crowded goalkeeping department at the club. Marc-André ter Stegen, who recently returned from a long injury spell, remains the team’s captain and has been the undisputed number one for several years. However, his form prior to the injury had been inconsistent, and there are lingering questions about his long-term reliability, particularly as he enters the final phase of his prime years.
In addition to Ter Stegen, Barcelona recently brought in experienced Polish international Wojciech Szczęsny, who was expected to serve as a dependable backup. Szczęsny brings leadership, experience, and quality, but at 34, he is clearly not a long-term solution. The arrival of García, therefore, could be seen as Barcelona preparing for the next generation in goal possibly even signaling the start of a transition period that may see García gradually take over the starting role.
Initially, reports suggested that García might be loaned out to another La Liga side to gain more experience while remaining under Barça’s ownership. However, recent updates point to a change in strategy. The coaching staff and sporting directors are now reportedly open to keeping him within the squad for the upcoming season, particularly if he performs well in pre-season and adapts quickly to the club’s playing style. His arrival could even open the door to a potential summer departure for one of the current goalkeepers, most likely Szczęsny, should a suitable offer arise.
There is also a more dramatic scenario gaining traction in the media: García’s signing could eventually spell the end of Ter Stegen’s reign as Barça’s number one. While that may not happen immediately, club insiders suggest that Barcelona is keen to create competition and reduce over-reliance on any single player. García, with his age and potential, represents a modern goalkeeper profile that fits well with the direction the club wants to move in under the new sporting project.
What’s clear is that Barcelona is not taking any chances this summer. After a turbulent few seasons filled with financial constraints and underwhelming results in Europe, the club appears determined to reinforce its squad smartly and economically. The pursuit of Joan García is consistent with this approach identifying emerging talent early, acting swiftly, and ensuring the club stays one step ahead of the competition. Whether García becomes a backup, a loanee, or the eventual first-choice goalkeeper, his signing could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Barça’s long-term vision for success.
