Newcastle United and Barcelona are eyeing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
The Magpies are expected to have a busy summer, which should include a goalkeeper arriving at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe wants at least four signings, with the Magpies eager to bring in Nick Pope’s long-term replacement. Newcastle United tried to do that in 2024, but were unable to due to PSR.
Fortunately for Newcastle, their financial situation is different in 2025.
That should result in a goalkeeper arriving, with Newcastle interested in James Trafford. They also have alternatives, with Caoimhin Kelleher available for £20million.
Then there is Joan Garcia, the 24-year-old whose name is being relentlessly linked with the Magpies over in Spain.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Barcelona’s plan to sign Joan Garcia ahead of Newcastle United
There were even false claims that Garcia was close to signing for Newcastle United that have been played down on Tyneside.
But he is a goalkeeper that is on the Magpies’ radar, while he is also a target for Barcelona.
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Garcia wants to be the number one goalkeeper wherever he goes, and the La Liga giants could be prepared to make that happen.
According to Catalan radio station RAC1, Barcelona will sell Marc-Andre ter Stegen if they sign Garcia.
They also state that Barcelona are confident that Garcia will join them following a board meeting on Thursday.
He is available for £21million due to a release clause in his Espanyol contract.
Newcastle United to bid for Joan Garcia alternative
All signs currently point towards Garcia joining Barcelona rather than Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, Toon officials appear to have their eye on someone else.
It has been reported that Newcastle are expected to bid for James Trafford, who almost joined the club last summer.
His reputation has been enhanced by the season he has had, with the 22-year-old keeping 29 clean sheets in the Championship with Burnley.
Trafford believes he is world class, and he will get the chance to prove that if he joins a Newcastle United side that are set to return to the Champions League.