Commenting on football as a mere sport is simple, but decisions in the sporting world are influenced by far more than just the competitive aspect of the game.
Joan Garcia and Barcelona’s pursuit of the talented Spanish goalkeeper is the best example of the same.
The Espanyol star is one of Spain and La Liga’s best goalkeepers and was in stellar form for his team in the recent season, single-handedly saving them from relegation.
Barcelona were interested in his signing as of earlier this week, but word soon came out that the player was worried about the social impact of his move especially given his roots in Espanyol. After all, the rivalry between the two clubs is at an all-time high.
Barcelona’s plan
Initial reports of the Blaugrana’s interest relayed that they were looking to sign him from Espanyol and loan him out to Valencia for a year before bringing him back in.
Now, Tot Costa brings to light that Barcelona’s plan is not to sign the player as a backup or an option to send out on loan. They intend to make him a regular starter in the team and that has been the idea all along.
Will Joan Garcia swap Espanyol for Barcelona? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s age coupled with his conspicuous decline, after all, have left fans and pundits calling out for a change in personnel in Barcelona’s goal.
The latest report thus comes as a massive update for it reveals that the administration and management no longer see Ter Stegen as indispensable.
If indeed a move for Garcia works out in the coming weeks, the German goalkeeper may well leave the club in all likelihood especially considering the FIFA World Cup just around the corner.
Moreover, Barcelona are counting on Wojciech Szczesny to stay for another year in which case the Polish star could well act as a backup shot-stopper.
Garcia, 24, has a €25 million release clause and is attracting strong interest from the Premier League as well. With Barça willing to sign him and install him as the first-choice starter in goal, the ball is now in the Spaniard’s court.