Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia will have his pick of top clubs this summer, after an outstanding season in Cornella with Los Pericos, proving the difference between relegation and survival. However where he goes remains in the air.
This weekend it was confirmed that Barcelona’s interest in Garcia has been taken up a notch, and they will indeed make an effort to sign him. The Blaugrana have come to the conclusion that they cannot let an opportunity like Garcia slip through their hands without trying, but do face competition from Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, while Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are also keeping a close eye on his movements.
Joan Garcia’s changing release clause
The survival of Espanyol means that his release clause will not drop to €15m, and it could rise this week. The 24-year-old will currently cost €25m, but if Luis de la Fuente names him in the Spain squad on Monday, then it will rise to €30m. Espanyol expect to wrap up a deal quickly, and that it will involve the full payment of the clause – they want to wrap up a deal before the end of June to balance their accounts.
Agreement between Joan Garcia and Barcelona
According to Cadena SER, as carried by Diario AS, Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle with Garcia on terms. That said he will still have to make a call on if he wants to go to Espanyol’s crosstown rivals. Garcia’s arrival would be somewhat difficult to manage, given Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to return as number one next season, and they also must contend with potentially struggling to register Garcia, with uncertainty over their salary limit.
Flick: “Iñaki Peña was sad about being replaced eventually, he has always given his all in training. He’s a great professional, that’s why he deserved to play today.”
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 25, 2025
Relevo explain that last month Valencia called Barcelona and offered to take him on loan next season if they needed a home for Garcia to play first-team football next season. Los Che are to lose Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer as he completes his move to Liverpool. They also expressed an interest in taking Barcelona forward Pau Victor on loan.
No decision made on Garcia’s future
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Barcelona would intend to loan Garcia out, but does note that he has not made a call on his future. It would only be natural for Garcia’s agents to converse with interested parties and even negotiate terms, so as to be able to present their client with all the options.
🚨 Barcelona initial plan for Joan García would be to sign the GK from Espanyol for €25m clause and loan him out to another club.
There are more clubs in the race and no decision has been made at this stage, all open.
Player’s decision will also be key. pic.twitter.com/yz6ksBQ5LK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 26, 2025
