Barcelona found their new goalkeeper on the other side of the city: 'Won't be easy'

Barcelona has officially confirmed the acquisition of Joan Garcia, the highly sought-after goalkeeper from local rivals Espanyol. The 24-year-old has penned a six-year deal, committing his future to the Catalan giants until 2031. This €25 million transfer sees Barcelona secure one of La Liga's most impressive shot-stoppers from the previous season, a move The Athletic had highlighted as a top priority for the club as early as June 3rd.

Garcia’s move, though a step up in his career, is tinged with emotion. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, he addressed his departure from his boyhood club, Espanyol: "I know that this decision won't be easy to understand for everyone. I don't ask you to do so. But I do want you to know that it's been a decision which I've thought about a lot, thinking not only in my career but also in what's best for the club, for my family and for me. It's not any old farewell, it's a stage of my life which ends with the conviction that everything I’ve lived has made me better.”

 

 

 

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Joan Garcia (@__joangarcia)'in paylaştığı bir gönderi

Barcelona wasn't the only suitor for Garcia's talents. Arsenal had maintained a long-standing interest, having pursued him in the summer of 2024. However, the Premier League side withdrew from negotiations when it became clear Espanyol would not accept less than his release clause, ultimately opting to sign Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto on loan instead.

12 clean sheets in 21 matches

Garcia's stellar performances were a major factor in Espanyol's promotion from La Liga 2 in the 2023-24 season, where he kept 12 clean sheets in 21 matches. In the 2024-25 La Liga campaign, he started all 38 fixtures, recording eight clean sheets and conceding 51 goals as the newly promoted side secured a 14th-place finish, two points clear of the relegation zone. His "relentless miracle-working" earned him accolades as the shot-stopper with the most saves, preventing over eight goals based on shot quality, and showcasing exceptional reflexes and comfort with the ball at his feet. Given his young age for a goalkeeper, the move to Barcelona is considered a "no-brainer."

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Garcia’s arrival now sets off a significant domino effect for Barcelona's goalkeeping hierarchy, particularly concerning long-serving captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen. While Wojciech Szczesny filled in as first-choice in 2024-25 after Ter Stegen suffered a serious knee injury in September (only returning to action in May), Barcelona reportedly plans for Garcia to be their new starting goalkeeper.

Ter Stegen, 33, is under contract until 2028, but Barcelona is actively looking to offload the German and his substantial salary. While Ter Stegen is perfectly entitled to stay, his role as Germany's potential number one after Manuel Neuer's retirement hinges on regular club involvement, which could be jeopardized by Garcia's arrival. This bold move by sporting director Deco exemplifies a "ruthless approach" to squad building, prioritizing what he believes is best for the club, even if it means moving on a respected captain and the longest-serving player in the current squad. Club sources acknowledge Ter Stegen's right to remain but await his decision on whether he will embrace the challenge for the number one spot or seek opportunities elsewhere to secure his national team future.