FC Barcelona has taken a decisive step with the signing of Joan García, one of the revelations of the season in LaLiga. The young Catalan goalkeeper, until now with Espanyol, is switching sides in the city after a campaign that has sparked the interest of several European clubs.
A direct request from Flick
Hansi Flick, the new coach of the blaugrana team, has been clear in his demands for the goalkeeping position. Aware of the need to renew the Barça goal, he requested a young, reliable goalkeeper with great physical presence and room for improvement. Joan García has been chosen for perfectly fitting that profile.
Joan is 6 ft. 1 in. (1.85 m) tall, has cat-like reflexes, and a maturity beyond his 23 years. Despite his young age, he has shown the ability to lead from the back and be decisive in high-level matches. This has convinced Deco and the entire technical secretariat, who have accelerated the procedures to close the deal as soon as possible.
An affordable clause in the current market
The transfer will be made for the 25 million euros stipulated in his release clause with Espanyol. A figure considered a bargain in the offices of Camp Nou, given his performance and projection.
It is worth noting that this clause remained unchanged while Espanyol stayed in the First Division. Had they been relegated, it would have dropped to 15 million.
However, if Joan is drafted by Luis de la Fuente for the Nations League and debuts as a full international, the price could rise to 30 million. Barça has wanted to anticipate that possible increase.
A five-year contract and staggered salary
Joan García will sign with Barça until June 2030. His salary will be in the mid-low range of the salary scale, starting around 2.5 million euros net per season, with progression year by year. A contract policy in line with the club's new philosophy: keeping costs down and betting on growing players.
His entourage values this opportunity as a "natural step" in his career. Joan has always wanted to play at the elite level, and doing so at Camp Nou is, according to close sources, "a dream come true since childhood".
Ter Stegen, Szczesny, and Iñaki Peña: necessary moves
With Joan's arrival, Barça will now have to solve the goalkeeping puzzle. Marc-André ter Stegen still has a contract until 2028, but his role as an undisputed starter is beginning to waver. The sports management is considering giving him a gradual replacement, depending on the performance of the newcomer.
On the other hand, Szczesny ends his contract in June and has not yet replied to the renewal proposal. Everything points to him leaving as a free agent. Then there's the case of Iñaki Peña, a youth player with few opportunities, who is close to finalizing his transfer to Celta de Vigo.
A strategic operation
The bet on Joan García responds not only to an immediate need but to a medium-long term vision. At 23 years old and with experience in LaLiga, he is an asset that can establish himself as a starter and ensure stability between the posts for the next decade.
Barça doesn't want to improvise in the goalkeeping position anymore. This time, they seem to have found their goalkeeper of the future. Joan García is already a blaugrana, and Camp Nou awaits him with open arms.