A corner flag is seen during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on January 14, 2024 in Manchester, England.A corner flag is seen during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on January 14, 2024 in Manchester, England.
A corner flag is seen during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on January 14, 2024 in Manchester, England. | Getty Images
Manchester United are looking to strengthen a number of positions in the transfer market this summer - but look set to miss out on one target
Manchester United look set to miss out on the signing of goalkeeping target Joan García, with the Spaniard reportedly closing in on a move to Barcelona.
The 24-year-old has a release clause of £21m in his contract with RCD Espanyol. Barca have been branded as the favourites to sign him as they look to fight off interest from the Premier League with Manchester City and Arsenal both linked alongside United.
Barca and Espanyol are fierce rivals in La Liga with both clubs based in the Spanish city. Hansi Flick’s side clinched the La Liga title with a 2-0 win at Espanyol in mid-May with the home club turning their sprinklers on to end the celebrations early.
Joan Garcia move to Barcelona ‘very advanced’
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Garcia’s future, and has claimed the agreement is almost complete. Barca are wanting to move swiftly to complete a deal due to the interest from clubs in the Premier League.
He said on X: “The agreement between Barça and Joan García on long term deal is now very advanced, almost done. Negotiations underway with Spanish GK [sic] with club confident to get his green light in the upcoming days. Barça want to get it done asap and anticipate Premier League clubs.”
Garcia was named in the La Liga Team of the Season for his performances in the most recent campaign. He has made 67 senior appearances for the squad, keeping 21 clean sheets. He started every single La Liga fixture in 2024/25 as Espanyol finished 14th.
Garcia move could open door for Man City to sign Ter Stegen
If Barca get a deal for Garcia over the line, City could be in a strong position if they make a firm move for Ter Stegen. City are said to like the goalkeeper’s ability in the air while they also see him as a potential leadership candidate. Pep Guardiola’s side have lost Kevin de Bruyne following the end of his contract and will need to add some more big voices to the dressing room ahead of next season.
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has shed light on Ter Stegen’s situation and has said there are no offers or talks with other clubs as things stand but Barca are open to letting him go. He said on X: “Marc-André ter Stegen is fully informed about the plan to sign Joan Garcia but he currently wants to stay. He wants to remain the number 1 in the new season. The market is not being explored, and there are currently no talks with other clubs. However, FC Barcelona with Joan Laporta are open to offers for him. Should Garcia arrive, it is possible that there will be an open competition for the number 1 spot.”
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