Barcelona have made a major breakthrough in the transfer market and are ready to announce their first signing of the summer, with confirmation that the club has served notice of intent to pay the release clause for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
After enjoying an exceptional campaign with Barca’s neighbours, the shot-stopper has been one of the most coveted players in his position this summer.
Numerous Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United and Aston Villa, were associated with a move for the 24-year-old, but Barcelona have won the day, triggering the player’s release clause over the weekend.
La Liga has confirmed this to Espanyol, whose owners, the Rastar Group, have been obliged to disclose the information to the Chinese stock exchange, with Sport confirming the news.
Joan Garcia’s buyout clause was set at €25m, but because this was tied to inflation, Barcelona will pay €26.3m for the player over the course of his six-year contract. This is still below his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €28.3m.
Espanyol have announced that the deal will mean that they make €18.75m from the transfer, which they plan to reinvest into the club.
While Barcelona have made their intention to sign Joan Garcia official, the money transfer has not been paid. First, they will have to wait for La Liga to give them the green light for the transfer.
The Espanyol keeper has already announced that he will play with Barca next year.
Joan Garcia contract details revealed
The Espanyol goalkeeper is in line for a bumper pay rise. He is currently paid €300,000 per year but will see his wages rise nearly 10 times to earn €4m a year with Barcelona, Cadena SER reports.
Over the course of the six-year contract he is poised to sign, he will earn at least €24m.
By contrast, Lamine Yamal earns €8m per year and will sit at the top of Barcelona’s new salary structure.
What’s more, Joan Garcia will be a considerably cheaper option than Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who could be paid off €6m to leave the club on a free transfer.
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