Barcelona have officially completed the signing of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper has crossed the city divide, joining Barcelona from their local rivals Espanyol after the Blaugrana triggered his €25 million release clause.
Garcia has caused surprise by making the switch to Barcelona considering that he looked destined for a move to the Premier League at one point. Already last summer, Arsenal tried and failed to sign him.
This summer, too, the Spain youth international fielded interests from England, with Arsenal again keen on him. The likes of Aston Villa, Man Utd and Newcastle also courted him prior to his decision to join the Catalan giantd.
Garcia, who recently represented the national team of Catalunya, has signed a long-term contract with Barcelona and will battle for the No.1 spot next season.
Catalan Product.
Barça Quality. pic.twitter.com/NEU33EV9GV— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 18, 2025
Barcelona sign Garcia
The Blaugrana’s decision to pursue Garcia has evoked a strong reaction among the fanbase and media as it has seen long-serving No.1 Marc-Andre Ter Stegen pushed to the fringes.
While some have welcomed the signing of Garcia, who is already one of Spain’s most reliable shot-stoppers, others feel that the treatment of Ter Stegen has been disrespectful.
Barcelona now have four senior goalkeepers on their books. Wojciech Szczesny is expected to be handed a new contract and to challenge Garcia for the starting position next season. Ter Stegen and Inaki Pena have been told to find new clubs, but the former insists that he is going nowhere.
By moving from Espanyol to Barcelona, Garcia has followed in the footsteps of the legendary and controversial Ricardo Zamora, after whom LaLiga’s Goalkeeper of the Year trophy is named.
Garcia is Barcelona’s first signing of the summer. Compatriot Nico Williams could soon join him in Catalunya, with the Blaugrana now working on a blockbuster deal for the Athletic Club winger.
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