Aston Villa eyeing summer swoop for Espanyol ‘number 1’

If a report from Cadena SER is believed to be true, Aston Villa are aggressively pursuing a summer move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García. With Spanish giants Real Madrid also pushing for a move, Villa boss Unai Emery and sporting director Pablo Monchi are willing to trigger his release clause to fast-track a deal.

Emery is reportedly frustrated with the veteran Emiliano Martinez following several high-profile errors between the sticks. The 32-year-old Argentine World Cup winner is drawing interest from Saudi Arabia, and the Villans could cash in on their ‘number 1’ to pave the way for the Spanish youth international.

Garcia, 23, progressed through the academy ranks of Manresa, Damm, and Espanyol before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad in December 2021. After featuring sporadically over the next couple of years, the youngster eventually replaced Fernando Pacheco in the Segunda División at the backend of the 2023-24 season.

His stellar stint helped Espanyol secure an immediate top-flight return, and Manolo González, who promoted him as the first-choice keeper soon after he was appointed Los Pericos gaffer, drew comparisons with Lionel Messi’s influence at Barcelona.

“Joan Garcia will be a world reference, without a doubt. Hopefully, because he deserves it, by level and by person. This is the same as when Barcelona had Messi. There was a stuck game and he solved it.”

Aston Villa had a near-miss season despite early promises across competitions. A lion-hearted performance at Villa Park went in vain when they suffered a 4–5 heartbreak (on aggregate) against the mighty Paris St-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final. A shocking defeat against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semifinal ruined their hopes for silverware, and their chances of a Champions League berth hinge on the remaining four Premier League fixtures.

Why Aston Villa Should Tie Him Down As Martinez’s Successor

Martinez has featured more than 200 times for the Birmingham giants, including 49 appearances so far this season across competitions. Robin Olsen, his understudy in goal, is expected to part ways in June upon the expiration of his Villa contract, and the uncertainty over La Albiceleste ace’s future could present García with an opportunity to shine in English football.

The young custodian is regarded for his reflexes, dominance in the box, confidence while claiming and punching the ball, and one-on-one expertise. He holds the ball-playing traits of a sweeper-keeper, something Emery would love to see while building the game up from the back. Espanyol are on course to secure a mid-table finish, and Garcia, who has been crucial in achieving so, must opt for Villa to attain assured first-team minutes.