Barcelona have officially signed goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol after triggering his €25 million release clause. The 23-year-old is expected to sign a six-year contract in the coming days.
Garcia had previously attracted interest from Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United, but ultimately chose to continue his career in Spain by joining the Catalan giants. Since making his debut in 2021, he has made 67 appearances for Espanyol.
Last season, Garcia played a pivotal role in helping Espanyol secure their La Liga status following promotion, setting a league record with 146 saves the highest in the competition.
Though he has yet to feature for Spain's senior national team, Garcia has represented the U-23 side and was part of the squad that won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Barcelona view him as a potential long-term successor to Marc-André ter Stegen.
Garcia is known for his aggressive goalkeeping style and lightning-quick reflexes. His consistent performances throughout the 2023–2024 season have earned him recognition as one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in La Liga.
Advanced statistics further highlight his ability to anticipate and neutralize threats, with his record-breaking number of saves serving as a testament to his resilience under pressure.
His international experience at the Olympic level also speaks to his strong mentality and adaptability in high-stakes situations qualities Barcelona hope will translate into success at the Camp Nou.
