FC Barcelona has officially announced the signing of Joan García as the new goalkeeper for next season. Coming from Espanyol, the young keeper has signed for five seasons, until June 2030. The blaugrana club will pay the €25 million ($25 million) release clause.
This signing is much more than a simple reinforcement for the culé squad. It represents a clear bet on the future between the posts at Camp Nou. Joan García arrives at Barça as one of the most promising talents in Spanish soccer.
Historic professional and financial leap for Joan García
The qualitative leap in his career is also reflected financially, where his life takes a radical turn. At Espanyol, he earned just €240,000 ($240,000) gross per season. Now he will earn €4 million ($4 million) gross annually, a huge improvement that confirms the club's trust in his potential.
Barça has given him total assurance that he will be registered as a priority player. His arrival is even ahead of other signings that still depend on financial fair play. The coaching staff see him as the goalkeeper of the future and he could already compete for the starting spot.
For Espanyol, this sale also represents a financial lifeline ahead of the market. The €25 million ($25 million) from his transfer, together with a €38 million ($38 million) capital increase, will allow the club to operate under LaLiga's 1:1 rule. This will result in an increase in their salary cap from €7.8 million ($7.8 million) to €36 million ($36 million).
The operation has been a necessity for the Pericos, who needed liquidity and salary margin. Despite the sporting blow of losing one of their best assets, they prioritized their financial stability. Joan García says goodbye to Espanyol leaving profits and a good image among his own.
Barça awaits LaLiga's green light to register him
Administratively, Barça still has pending tasks to formalize the goalkeeper's registration. LaLiga hasn't validated key income, such as that derived from the VIP boxes at Spotify Camp Nou. However, the club trusts they will solve this situation before the end of June.
Deco has conveyed calm to the player's entourage and his agents. He assured them that the registration is guaranteed despite the current obstacles. The priority is to finalize everything on time so Joan García can start preseason without setbacks.
With this signing, FC Barcelona makes it clear they want to rejuvenate their squad without losing competitiveness. Joan García represents that new wave of footballers with talent, character, and hunger for titles. His adaptation to Hansi Flick's playing system will be key to his development.
The club considers him the natural heir to the blaugrana goal. Although he faces internal competition, his salary and conditions indicate a firm bet. At Camp Nou, they already dream of seeing him establish himself as the defensive leader of a new era.
A new era between the posts at Camp Nou
The signing of Joan García is not just a market operation, it's a statement of intent. Barça is betting on a national, young profile with room for growth. A decision that could mark the beginning of a different era in goal.
With Ter Stegen increasingly questioned and affected by injuries, the future already has a name. Joan García arrives with the challenge of winning over the fans and becoming eternal in the most demanding goal in the world. His story at Barça is just beginning, but he's off to a strong start.