Barça has closed the transfer market regarding signings after confirming the arrival of Joan García, Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United, and Roony Bardghji. The board believes that with these three moves, they've put the final touch on the summer.
Flick is also satisfied with the work of the sporting management because from the beginning he made it clear that he needed a reliable goalkeeper and a winger with the ability to break through defenses. With Joan García in goal, Rashford in attack, and a young prospect like Roony, the German coach feels that Barça has addressed the squad's most urgent needs.
Reinforcements in goal and on the wing
The blaugrana club started the market with two priorities: to strengthen the goalkeeping position after doubts arose with Ter Stegen, and to add dribbling ability on the flanks. With the arrival of Joan García, considered one of the Spanish goalkeepers with the most potential, the first of those objectives has been met. Meanwhile, for the attack, Rashford, although on loan, brings experience and immediate goals.
The feeling in the offices is that it wasn't necessary to sign a lot, but to sign well. In this regard, the assessment is positive: Barça feels that it finally has a balanced squad in all its lines, with experience, youth, and tactical options.
An efficient and economical market
One of the most celebrated points internally is that the team has been strengthened without making major expenditures. Joan García cost €25 million ($25 million), a price set in Espanyol's release clause, which is seen as a reasonable investment. Rashford arrived on loan, with no transfer fee, and Roony joined for just €2 million ($2 million), a very low figure compared to the potential attributed to him.
In a context where Barça remains limited by Financial Fair Play, moving intelligently in the market was essential. The sporting management has been able to seize opportunities and not compromise the finances too much, something that is appreciated at the club after summers of risky operations.
Joan García, the signing that excites the locker room
Despite the three arrivals, there is a clear consensus in the locker room: the signing that could change the team's destiny is Joan García. The Catalan goalkeeper has impressed teammates and coaching staff during preseason, showing confidence, reflexes, and personality in goal. Many at Barça consider him the guardian they needed to aspire to the highest achievements again.
The conviction within the club is that with Joan García, Barça hasn't just gained a goalkeeper, but a leader for the next decade. The players feel that with him, they have more guarantees to compete on equal terms against any European rival. The goal is no longer just to repeat last season's domestic treble, but to make the definitive leap toward the Champions League.