Barcelona Near Transfer Deal for Goalkeeper Joan García

Barcelona are getting closer to signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García. Talks are moving forward between all parties involved.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona have increased their efforts to sign Joan García, and talks with his representatives and Espanyol are going well. The deal is not done yet, but Barcelona are leading the race for the young goalkeeper. They are ready to pay García’s €25 million (£21m/$28.5m) release clause to sign him from their city rivals.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Barcelona want García after he impressed in his debut season as Espanyol’s main goalkeeper. His shot-stopping skills and ability to play with his feet have attracted interest from clubs like Arsenal, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Manchester United. Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has reportedly agreed in principle with García on a five-year contract, beating competition from English clubs.

Barcelona are currently second in La Liga, three points behind leaders Real Madrid with three games left to play. García’s signing could signal a change, as new manager Hansi Flick reportedly wants him as the starter, potentially replacing Marc-André ter Stegen, who missed most of this season due to injury.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

As Barcelona aim to finalise the García deal, they must also focus on their fight for the La Liga title. They host Valencia this weekend, trailing Real Madrid by just three points with nine still to play for. The club may also consider other transfer targets, including Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli as an option for the wing position.

For García, joining Barcelona would be a major career move after only one full season as a starter in La Liga. If the deal goes through, he is expected to sign a five-year contract and compete for the starting goalkeeper spot, potentially becoming Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper as they continue to rebuild their squad under Flick’s manager.