Barcelona Want Espanyol’s Joan García After Great Season

Barcelona are interested in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García. The 24-year-old had a great season and caught the eye of top clubs in Europe. Teams from the Premier League and Bundesliga are also interested in signing him.

WHY BARCELONA WANT JOAN GARCÍA

Joan García is one of the best young goalkeepers in Spain. He did well for Espanyol with his height (1.91 m) and command in crucial situations. He costs around €25 million, which Barcelona see as affordable. They are thinking of making changes at the goalkeeping position. Marc-André ter Stegen, at 33, just overcame an injury scare, and his future at the club is uncertain. Coach Hansi Flick believes García could become the number one choice in the future. Barcelona also need a new goalkeeper as their backup Iñaki Peña is leaving, and Wojciech Szczęsny, who joined last year, has not decided to extend his contract yet.

STRONG INTEREST FROM ENGLAND AND GERMANY

Barcelona have tough competition from several big European clubs. In the Premier League, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Bournemouth are interested in García. Bundesliga’s Bayer Leverkusen and Serie A champions Napoli also want him. Espanyol expect him to move soon as García’s market value has increased. He remains close to Espanyol and its fans but is open to a big move after helping his club in their comeback bid to LaLiga.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BARCELONA AND JOAN GARCÍA

Barcelona’s next game will be at the start of August when the new LaLiga season begins. They came second last season, behind Real Madrid by six points, and want to improve the squad to win the title. García’s fitness test will be important as English and German clubs are prepared to trigger his €25 million release clause. Espanyol, after finishing two points below the promotion spot, are getting ready for possible life without García. The goalkeeper’s summer move seems certain, and whichever club signs him will have a bright future.