Joan García Open To Leaving Espanyol

Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García may be leaving the club this summer. The 25-year-old said he is open to playing against his current team in the future. García has a €25 million release clause in his contract with the club, making a move away from Barcelona likely for the Spain international.

WHAT HAPPENED?

García spoke to Esport3 about his future, hinting he is willing to leave Los Periquitos if an acceptable offer comes in. He said: “It would be nice to play against Espanyol. These things can happen. I try to look for the positive side of things, and if it happens, I will accept it with enthusiasm.” His comments come amid intense transfer speculation linking him with several top clubs. García’s celebrations during Espanyol’s recent safety-securing match against Las Palmas had already fueled rumors that he was saying farewell to the club’s supporters.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

García’s release clause has reportedly attracted interest from several European giants, with Barcelona, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Aston Villa all linked with the player. Barcelona’s interest is particularly notable given the historic rivalry between the Blaugrana and Espanyol. García would be following Luciano Vietto and Luis Enrique in crossing the Catalan divide if he were to move to Camp Nou, potentially sparking uproar from the club’s supporters. However, despite reports suggesting the Catalans have already agreed a deal with the player, there have also been suggestions García would rather move to a Premier League club than join Xavi’s side.

Espanyol’s narrow escape from relegation has increased the pressure on García to leave Espanyol this summer. Los Periquitos finished 15th in the league table, narrowly avoiding the drop by a single point. The club have routinely battled against relegation in recent seasons, and García seemingly wants to move to a more stable club in the near future. García’s performances this campaign have reportedly put several teams around Europe on alert.

WHAT NEXT?

The summer transfer window opens in a matter of weeks and García is expected to have a big decision to make in the coming months. “I’m very calm and then whatever has to be decided, I’m sure I’ll think about it a lot with my people and choose what will be best for me,” he told TV3 earlier this year. García’s release clause remains €25m after he was left out of Luis de la Fuente’s latest Spain squad – had he been called up, the clause would have increased by €5m. Barcelona are actively pursuing options in the goalkeeper position, including Real Valladolid’s Bart Verbruggen as well as García. For the Premier League clubs, the lure of a potential bargain may be tempting.