Transfer battle heats up as Joan Garcia becomes centre of Premier League tug-of-war
Manchester United have had an awful season and are in 16th place in the league after a disastrous domestic season in the club’s modern history. The club has problems elsewhere, but the goalkeeping department holds a lot of the blame. André Onana has failed to perform like a true number 1, and fellow back-up keeper Altay Bayındır has continued to disappoint with any opportunity he has been given.
Because of the ongoing problems between the sticks, United are considering their options elsewhere. According to Fabrizio Romano, the pursuit of Joan Garcia, the Spanish goalkeeper, is “wide open.” The reports come following earlier reports that Arsenal were closing in on what looks like the budding talent of the Espanyol shot-stopper
Joan Garcia, 24, has quickly become one of La Liga’s standout performers, earning widespread acclaim for his displays with Espanyol. He leads the league in saves this season and has even been dubbed the “most in-form goalkeeper” in Europe. His heroics, including a memorable double penalty save against Mallorca in March, have turned heads across the continent.
In stark contrast, Manchester United’s goalkeepers have had a disastrous campaign. Both André Onana and Altay Bayındır have been responsible for a string of costly errors under manager Ruben Amorim.
Despite Garcia’s rise and Amorim’s interest in strengthening the goalkeeping department, United are not prioritising a new shot-stopper this summer. The club plan to allocate most of their transfer budget towards reinforcing the attack.
Still, a move for Garcia isn’t entirely off the table. With Bayındır likely to be sold and Tom Heaton potentially heading into retirement, United may explore more cost-effective options to add depth in goal.
United is set to face lots of competition for the shot stopper
Manchester United should be interested in Joan Garcia, who has a release clause of £21 million in his contract with Espanyol. The 24-year-old has modern traits of a goalkeeper in terms of being good on the ball and his distribution, as well as a very good traditional style of shot-stopping, which makes for a quality and affordable option. His quality at such an affordable price means a number of top European teams have shown interest in catching Garcia as well, including Barcelona, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bournemouth and United.
Although Arsenal were previously seen as the favourites to sign Garcia, Fabrizio Romano has now indicated to his subscribers that it is a wide-open race with a number of clubs after the Spaniard. Romano has now stated that Aston Villa are preparing to get rid of Emiliano Martinez, and are looking at Garcia as the ideal potential replacement for the World Cup-winning goalkeeper. Garcia appears to have little chance of joining Arsenal, as David Raya has made the number 1 role his own after a great season so far, but this could favour Villa as they can offer Garcia assurances of familiarity and a chance to be a regular again and given that may weigh heavily in his decision.
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A move to Old Trafford would present a similar scenario, with Garcia expected to compete against the underperforming duo of Onana and Bayindir— a challenge any ambitious goalkeeper should back themselves to win.
United must now move swiftly and decisively to avoid missing out, especially with the knowledge that Garcia’s £21 million release clause will increase to £25 million as the summer window advances. Delaying could cost them not just money, but a potential long-term solution between the sticks.