Barça is very close to finalizing their first signing for the 2025/26 season: Joan García. The young Espanyol goalkeeper has been one of the most outstanding names in La Liga during the last campaign, and his potential hasn't gone unnoticed by the blaugrana scouts. The deal is practically done and could be made official within hours.
Joan, just 24 years old, has shown surprising maturity between the posts and a competitive level worthy of a top club. Barça see him as a talent with a long future ahead and the ideal profile to lead the new era that's taking shape in Barcelona. The sporting management believe the goalkeeping position needed a renewal, and Joan has been the top option from the start.
A market opportunity that Barça couldn't let slip away
Joan García's signing has been, in addition to a sporting matter, a very well-calculated financial operation. With a release clause of just €25 million, Barça see him as a real market bargain. In a context where any elite goalkeeper costs around €50 million or even €70 million, Joan represents a unique opportunity.
The speed with which the signing is being managed is precisely due to the competition. The club didn't want to take risks in the face of possible offers from other European teams and have moved quickly.
Now what happens with Ter Stegen?
Joan García's arrival isn't just a reinforcement, but a statement of intent, since he's coming to be the starting goalkeeper. This decision, which hasn't yet been officially announced, creates a consequence for Ter Stegen's future. The German has been one of Barça's key pieces for almost a decade, but his cycle could be coming to an end.
Ter Stegen has had an inconsistent season and, although he still has credit, the emergence of a young, domestic goalkeeper changes everything. The coaching staff have assessed the recent performance, the German's physical condition, and the salary impact of keeping two top-level goalkeepers. That's why the change in goal is starting to take definitive shape.
Ter Stegen has a new offer
According to "El Nacional", Manchester United have already made an offer for Ter Stegen. The English side need to replace Onana, who's leaving this summer, and consider the German goalkeeper the ideal profile to lead their goal. The interest is serious and, given the current situation at Barça, an imminent negotiation can't be ruled out.
Additionally, Ter Stegen has also received very strong financial offers from Saudi Arabia. Although the player hasn't yet expressed his intention to leave, Barça's moves seem to indicate that his departure is more a matter of time than of will. With two proposals on the table, the German's future is more uncertain than ever.