Over the past couple of days, there has been a lot of noise surrounding Barcelona’s plans for the goalkeeping department in the summer transfer window.
Even though Marc-Andre ter Stegen is back as the No. 1 and Wojciech Szczesny might renew his contract, the Catalans are already planning for the future and have made Joan Garcia of RCD Espanyol their top target.
Indeed, the Spanish ace, who enjoyed a spectacular campaign in 2024/25, is seen as the future of the club’s goalkeeping department with the plan being to sign him this summer before loaning him out for a season.
Joan Garcia will not join Barcelona
However, according to the latest update from journalist Albert Fernandez, Joan Garcia will not be leaving Espanyol to sign for Barcelona this summer.
The 24-year-old has achieved a cult hero status at Espanyol, especially after his stunning display on the final matchday of the season which helped his club stave off relegation.
Unlikely to join Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
So, it was always going to be unlikely that the goalkeeper would be willing to make the switch to their most bitter rivals and risk breaking the bond with Espanyol and their fans.
So, even though it was suggested that Garcia might be open to the idea of signing for Barça and then being loaned out for a season, as things stand, such a move appears unlikely according to the journalist.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper’s release clause will remain €25 million after he was not called up to the Spain squad which would have seen the value soar to €30 million.
Garcia is attracting interest from Real Madrid as well as clubs in England. So, it remains to be seen how the situation evolves and whether Barcelona are successful in convincing him to ditch Espanyol to move to Camp Nou.