Newcastle United were linked with Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia but Barcelona appear to have won the race.
Barcelona have reportedly beaten Newcastle United to the race to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
NewcastleWorld understands Toon chiefs had kept tabs on the Spaniard following his breakout La Liga season, although a deal was never close. Despite playing in a side battling relegation, Garcia’s performances were eye-catching throughout the campaign.
Seven saves against Atletico Madrid and 10 against Real Madrid in a 4-1 defeat saw him keep his place as starting goalkeeper. Garcia never looked back and helped Espanyol scrape survival as talk about a summer switch ramped up.
Newcastle have targeted a goalkeeper and Garcia was viewed as a possible long-term successor to Nick Pope. His modest release clause - worth €25million - also appealed in a tight PSR climate.
The Magpies have funds available but signing the 24-year-old would have freed up cash to spend elsewhere. However, the goalie search is set to continue as Garcia will reportedly cross the Catalan divide next week.
Fabrizio Romano gives Joan Garcia update
Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed Garcia will snub Newcastle and join inter-city rivals Barcelona. He posted on social media: “Joan Garcia will become a new Barca player next week, plan confirmed.
“Agreement done with the goalkeeper on a five-year deal, accepted last week and formal steps to follow. Barca informed Joan that the €25million release clause will be paid to Espanyol next week. Here we go, soon.”
🚨🔵🔴 Joan García will become new Barça player next week, plan confirmed.
Agreement done with the goalkeeper on five year deal, accepted last week + formal steps to follow.
Barça informed Joan that €25m release clause will be paid to Espanyol next week.
Here we go, soon 🏁 pic.twitter.com/FlmXhfHVY4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2025
Just as NewcastleWorld revealed last week…
NewcastleWorld published a story last week insisting a deal for Garcia was never close despite Spanish reports suggesting otherwise. James Trafford remains a target having nearly become a Toon player last summer.
A deal is trickier to negotiate this time around as his stock has risen following Burnley’s promotion. Trafford kept a record 29 clean sheets as a steely Clarets side secured an instant top-flight return under Scott Parker.
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‘Nick Pope one of the best’ - Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe made a bold decision early into his St James’ Park reign by signing Pope to dethrone long-term No.1 Martin Dubravka. The England international could now be on the receiving end of the same treatment despite helping Newcastle qualify for the Champions League twice in three seasons and win the Carabao Cup.
When asked by the media last month, Howe raved about his current first-choice shot-stopper. He said: “Yeah, it may seem funny to say that (whether Pope is one of the best at saving shots) about a goalkeeper because that is obviously what they are there to do but I do think he’s one of the best shot stoppers I’ve had the privilege to work with.
“He has this ability to get his positioning right and he has long levers, big arms and legs that he manages to get touches on balls some other goalkeepers wouldn’t because of his size and stature."
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