Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, but must fight off interest from Barcelona.
The Magpies are eager to get their transfer business done early this summer to give Eddie Howe all the time he needs to prepare with his squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
Newcastle United are set to be one of the big spenders in the upcoming transfer window as they look to build on their thrilling season, which saw them qualify for the Champions League on the final day.
It was evident that Howe needs more strength in depth when the likes of Callum Wilson and Joe Willock, two players who have had poor seasons, were brought on during Newcastle’s defeat to Everton on Sunday.
The Magpies want a new striker and a winger, but reports have also stated that they are looking to add another goalkeeper to the squad, despite having five on the books already. Newcastle are linked with Joan Garcia, who has a £21m release clause in his contract. The Spaniard has also been linked with a move to La Liga giants Barcelona.
While Newcastle begin to move forward in their efforts to sign new players, Howe has already shared his opinion on signing a new goalkeeper this summer.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Eddie Howe praises Newcastle United goalkeepers amid Joan Garcia links
As it stands, Newcastle currently have five goalkeepers on the books, with Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka the two leading shot-stoppers in the team.
Additionally, Howe has John Ruddy, Odysseas Vlachodimos and Mark Gillespie at his disposal, though the trio did not make a single Premier League appearance all season.
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With Ruddy and Gillespie out of contract this summer, it does not look like they will be handed new deals before their expiries at the end of June, opening up two spaces for goalkeepers to come in.
While the likes of Garcia and Burnley ace James Trafford are linked with moves to Newcastle, Howe recently went out of his way to praise his current group of goalkeepers.
When asked about goalkeeper links by the Chronicle, Howe said: “As I say, I don’t go through the rumours so I have no idea we are linked with goalkeepers.
“I don’t think it is the right time to comment on that. We have some very good goalkeepers at the football club who have done brilliantly this year so I’d rather celebrate them.”
Joan Garcia’s statistics compared to Nick Pope amid Newcastle United links
Should Garcia join Newcastle, he wants major assurances that he will be the first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Pope and Dubravka.
The 24-year-old played his part in helping Espanyol stay in La Liga this season, but would need to get used to new surroundings on Tyneside quickly if he were to join.
2024/25 League Statistics Joan Garcia Nick Pope
Appearances 38 28
Clean Sheets 8 8
Goals Conceded 51 35
Saves 142 83
Garcia has never played in the Champions League before, whereas Pope was Newcastle’s starting goalkeeper for their games against PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan during the 2023/24 season, so he will be well aware of what it takes to play in the competition.
At just 24, there is no doubt Garcia can be Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper for many years, but he will need to be on the ball if he is to be first choice at the club.