Barcelona Acquires Goalkeeper Joan García
Barcelona is preparing to finalize the acquisition of goalkeeper Joan García from city rivals Espanyol after triggering his release clause set at €25 million (approximately $28.9 million). This crucial step was confirmed by a source speaking with ESPN. The club initiated the payment to LaLiga last Friday, and although the deal is anticipated to conclude shortly, it is pending league approval to ensure the transaction is validated and the funds are properly managed.
Details of the Transfer
The 24-year-old García has penned a six-year deal with Barcelona, extending through to 2031. His arrival bolsters a goalkeeping department that features established players such as Marc-André ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczęsny, as well as Iñaki Peña.
Competition for García’s Signature
Interestingly, there was competition for García’s signature, with notable interest from Premier League clubs including Arsenal, who made an approach last summer, and Manchester City, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Bournemouth all expressing curiosity this year. Ultimately, Barça triumphed in securing the talented shot-stopper.
Espanyol’s Situation
While Espanyol would have preferred to keep García out of Barça’s hands, the terms of his contract mandated that the release clause could not be ignored, leaving the club with limited options to avoid this outcome. García, a native of Catalonia, made his journey through Espanyol’s ranks after joining the club’s academy in 2016, and he marked his first appearance with the senior team in 2021.
García’s Impact at Espanyol
Notably, he played a pivotal role in helping Espanyol gain promotion to LaLiga in 2024, contributing significantly over the season during which the team managed to maintain their top-flight status, including standout performances such as a crucial match against Real Madrid in February where he helped secure a 1-0 victory.
