Joan Garcia Espanyol
Espanyol
Barcelona and Arsenal have been heavily linked with Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia but there’s a big chance that the keeper might opt for a move to Manchester United.
Manchester United are ready to offload Andre Onana in the summer and according to Caught Offside, the Red Devils are planning to hold talks with the 24-year-old in the coming days.
Arsenal had tried to sign him last summer but the Gunners were not ready to pay his transfer price. They have reignited their interest in the summer window, along with Barcelona, who have also been monitoring Joan Garcia for several months. The keeper’s current contract with Espanyol expires in 2028 and his €25 million release clause makes him a lucrative target for all the clubs who are searching for a new keeper.
Is Joan Garcia worth the hype?
Garcia has come up the ranks at Espanyol and since making his senior debut in 2020, the keeper has made 67 appearances for the club. He is a Spanish national but is yet to play for the national team.
Just like any other modern goalkeeper, the 24-year-old is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and teams that like to build play from the back can use him very well. Joan Garcia is technically very gifted and apart from his tactical brilliance, he is also a great shot-stopper and a commanding presence inside the box.
Here’s how he performed in the league this season:
La Liga – 24/25 Stats
Games Played 38
Goals Conceded 46
Clean Sheets 8
Shots shaved 140/191
Aerial duels won 22
Minutes per goal conceded 74 mins
Why could the keeper snub Arsenal and Barca?
Joan Garcia might be ready to move out of Espanyol but the keeper has made it very clear that whichever club he joins, he will have to be the undisputed number one from day one. He is not ready to warm the benches or compete against another top keeper.
Out of the three interested clubs, Manchester United are the only one that can provide him that luxury. If the Red Devils manage to get rid of Andre Onana, Garcia can come in and take charge immediately.
Arsenal have David Raya and he has done superbly since his move to the Emirates Stadium. There’s no way Mikel Arteta will be ready to bench him next season.
Barcelona have plans to loan out Joan Garcia for one season – while Ter Stegen remains at the club and so, it’s highly unlikely that he will join the Catalans. Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez has very confidently claimed that the 24-year-old will not join Barca.
He said, as cited by Mundo Deportivo: “Maybe he’s already sold, but the club hasn’t told me anything. Personally, I highly doubt he’ll sign for Barcelona. I’m not saying I’d cut off my hand, but I’d be close.”
Man United, Barca and Arsenal aren’t the only teams who are interested in him because Newcastle United have also been named in the list of admirers. And because the Magpies have secured Champions League football, they will also fancy their chances of landing Joan Garcia.