Joan Garcia, Espanyol’s standout goalkeeper, is set to complete a sensational move to FC Barcelona in the coming days, marking one of the most significant transfers of the summer window. The 23-year-old has emerged as one of Spain’s brightest talents, earning praise for his consistent performances in La Liga. García’s rise has been meteoric, with back-to-back “Save of the Month” awards earlier this year solidifying his reputation as a top shot-stopper.
Barcelona sees him as the ideal long-term replacement for Marc-André ter Stegen, whose future at the club remains uncertain. The deal, reportedly worth €25 million, will trigger García’s release clause, bypassing Espanyol’s reluctance to negotiate directly with their Catalan rivals. Despite interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United, Barça have moved swiftly to secure his signature. Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, recently praised García as an “extraordinary goalkeeper” but confirmed City are not in the race, backing their current keepers instead. This clears the path for Barcelona to finalize the transfer without further competition.
García is expected to sign a contract until June 2030, earning €4 million gross per season. He will immediately compete for the starting role, with the club viewing him as their future No. 1. Medicals and paperwork are set to be completed soon. The transfer represents a strategic shift for Barcelona, who are rebuilding under new manager Hansi Flick. Securing a young, proven goalkeeper aligns with their vision of developing a squad capable of competing at the highest level for years to come.
García’s arrival could also signal the end of Ter Stegen’s tenure at Camp Nou, with rumors suggesting the German may seek a new challenge. The club’s hierarchy believes García has the potential to fill those shoes and become a cornerstone of their project. Fans are eagerly awaiting an official announcement, with reports indicating that Barcelona will activate the release clause in the coming days. The move underscores the club’s ambition to reinforce key positions with top-tier talent. With García’s signing nearly finalized, Barcelona’s summer plans are taking shape. The young goalkeeper’s arrival could be the first of several high-profile moves as the club looks to reclaim its place among Europe’s elite. The future looks bright at Camp Nou.