FC Barcelona and their 2024/25 season has presented more answers than questions to Hansi Flick, with most of the team looking sorted. However, there are still areas in the squad that need addressing, either immediately or in the medium term.
If you take a look at an ideal Barcelona starting XI for Hansi Flick from the options at his disposal at the moment, 10 out of 11 positions have players who inspire you with enough confidence. The same cannot be said about the goalkeeping situation, though.
It is not often that Barcelona have a situation where their captain is the only unconvincing starter in the team. Marc- Andre Ter Stegen’s performances in the last couple of seasons have seemingly fallen off a cliff and the club need to address the same.
Joan Garcia 2024/25 compared to Marc-Andre Ter Stegen 2023/24. (Source: DataMB)
Joan Garcia 2024/25 compared to Marc-Andre Ter Stegen 2023/24. (Source: DataMB)
Time to move on from MATS?
At 33, the German isn’t getting any younger and it is better for Barcelona to make a move for a younger option. Over the past couple of days, the option of Joan Garcia from Espanyol has emerged. The 24-year-old has been the best goalkeeper in the league this season.
Last night, it emerged that Garcia was not keen on crossing the Catalan divide and joining Barcelona. It is a very delicate situation for the Spaniard, as it could have massive repercussions in his relationship with the Espanyol fans.
Now, as per Mundo Deportivo, Joan Garcia has not yet closed the door on a transfer to Barcelona and it is very much still on the table. The player is set to meet with agent in the upcoming week and take a call on his future.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 24: Joan Garcia of RCD Espanyol kisses his badge following the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and UD Las Palmas at RCDE Stadium on May 24, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Joan Garcia kissing the Espanyol badge. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Joan Garcia still undecided
One thing that Joan Garcia is very clear about the moment is that he has no intention of going out on loan as a bridging measure for his next club. He wants to make a transfer happen and then fight for the number one jersey.
The player is not short of interest on the European front with the likes of Newcastle United, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bayer Leverkusen, Inter Milan and Napoli all interested in the Catalan goalkeeper apart from just Barcelona.
What Joan Garcia needs to do at the moment is go back, sit down with his agent and make the move that he deems best. Maybe, Juanma Lopez would be able to get his other client, Dani Olmo, on the phone and get him to convince the 24-year-old that Barcelona would be the perfect club. It remains to be seen how this particular transfer saga plays out.