Joan García Set to Become Barcelona’s New Goalkeeper
Barcelona are on the verge of signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García as their new first-choice goalkeeper for the 2025/26 season. The 24-year-old has emerged as a top talent in La Liga, prompting the Catalan giants to act swiftly. This move signals a bold shift in Barcelona’s goalkeeping plans.
Joan García
Joan García, born in 2001 in Sallent, Spain, is a product of Espanyol’s youth academy. He debuted for Espanyol’s first team in 2023 during their promotion campaign from La Liga 2.
His performances in the 2024/25 season, where Espanyol finished 14th, cemented his reputation as a promising shot-stopper. Known for agility and ball-playing ability, García has drawn comparisons to elite goalkeepers.
Who Made Offers for García?
Barcelona led the race, but García attracted interest from multiple clubs. Premier League sides Arsenal, Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Manchester City showed interest.
Bundesliga’s Bayer Leverkusen and Serie A’s Inter and Napoli also inquired. His €25 million release clause made him an attractive target for top clubs across Europe.
How the Transfer Became Possible
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco prioritized García to rejuvenate the squad. With Marc-André ter Stegen’s future uncertain and Iñaki Peña set to leave, Barcelona saw García as their long-term goalkeeper.
Espanyol rejected direct negotiations, forcing Barcelona to trigger the €25 million release clause. García’s hesitation was addressed by assurances of being the first-choice goalkeeper, with registration prioritized to avoid past issues. The deal is reportedly close to finalization, expected next week after García’s holiday.
Who Was in the Race?
Arsenal were strong contenders, seeking a reliable goalkeeper, but García opted for Barcelona. Manchester City’s interest waned after Pep Guardiola downplayed their need for a new stopper. Newcastle, Aston Villa, Inter, and Napoli trailed behind, unable to match Barcelona’s promise of immediate first-team football. The Catalan club’s prestige and García’s local ties tipped the scales.
García’s Career and Rate
García’s career began in Espanyol’s youth system, progressing to their B-team before earning the starting role in 2023/24.
In the 2024/25 La Liga season, he impressed with key saves, helping Espanyol avoid relegation. Robert Lewandowski praised García’s ability to make 8-9 saves in high-pressure games, though he noted Barcelona’s unique demands.
Valued at €25 million, García is seen as a bargain for his potential. His rate as a goalkeeper combines shot-stopping prowess with modern ball-playing skills, making him a fit for Hansi Flick’s system.
This transfer creates a challenging situation at Barcelona. Marc-André ter Stegen, the club captain, insists on staying despite interest from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. Wojciech Szczęsny is set to extend his contract as a backup, while Iñaki Peña’s departure looms.
Barcelona’s plan involves a two-man rotation with García and Szczęsny, potentially sidelining ter Stegen. The move reflects Barcelona’s focus on youth, but García faces pressure to perform amid competition and controversy. His decision to join Barcelona, despite Premier League interest, shows his ambition to shine at a club where regular playtime is guaranteed.
His performances earned praise from figures like Pep Guardiola, who called him “extraordinary.”
However, García emphasized the need for regular minutes to continue his growth, a condition Barcelona met. The transfer saga, fueled by rivalry between Espanyol and Barcelona, adds intrigue. If finalized, García’s arrival could mark a new era for Barcelona’s goalkeeping department, blending youth with ambition
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