FC Barcelona has finalised all the details regarding the signing of Joan Garcia from Espanyol after several weeks of prolonged negotiations. The 24-year-old goalkeeper, a product of Espanyol’s academy, is set to join the reigning Spanish champions next week, according to Marta Ramon from “RAC1”. Reports suggest that Garcia is expected to be the first-choice keeper for head coach Hansi Flick in the upcoming season, which could mean Wojciech Szczęsny starts the season as a substitute.
The transfer is anticipated to be completed in the coming days. The Catalan giants will trigger the release clause included in Garcia’s contract by paying 25 million euros. The player, in turn, will sign a five-year deal with the Camp Nou outfit. Garcia has already given his nod to the move to Catalonia, considering it the most promising offer. Notably, Barcelona acted swiftly and decisively to fend off interest from several Premier League clubs that had been closely monitoring the situation.
Garcia’s arrival at Camp Nou naturally raises questions about the future of the current number one goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Despite the German shot-stopper’s public reassurances of his commitment to staying at Camp Nou, the club has not hidden its intent to make Garcia their primary choice for the position.
Adding another layer to the scenario is Wojciech Szczęsny, who is reportedly close to extending his contract with the club.
The presence of three top-tier goalkeepers adds complexity to the squad situation, but for coach Hansi Flick, this represents a positive challenge. The German manager plans to increase competition for the goalkeeper position to elevate the team’s overall performance.