Rabat – FC Barcelona have announced a deal with Joan Garcìa as their first signing of the season. The 24-year-old goalkeeper joined with a $25 release clause from city rivals Espanyol.
The six-year contract runs until 2031 and was accepted by La Liga on Tuesday evening.
García has attracted Premier League interest, especially from Arsenal. But, he chose to join Barcelona, becoming the first player to move directly from Espanyol since Igor Korneev in 1994, despite the intense rivalry between the two Catalan clubs.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco called the clause “a market steal.” Flick pushed for new competition after Barcelona conceded 39 league goals and 11 goals in the Champions League.
García led the league with 146 saves and played every minute of Espanyol’s 38 matches, helping the Espanyol avoid relegation. Analysts credited his sharp reflexes (73.7 % save rate).
In Hansi Flick’s second season, Barcelona wanted new goalkeeper options. They used Garcìa’s low release clause, which didn’t affect Financial Fair Play rules inside the club.
García is seen as Ter Stegen’s long-term replacement. Stegen’s high salary, injuries, and poor form led Barcelona to look for a new goalkeeper. Although he’s the captain and under contract until 2028, the club is now pushing him to leave.
With García’s arrival, Flick now has four goalkeepers: Ter Stegen, García, Szczęsny, and Iñaki Peña. But the club knows that this strong lineup can’t continue. Either Szczęsny or Peña is expected to leave before the transfer window closes.
