In recent years, FC Barcelona and Manchester City have frequently crossed paths in the transfer market. While the English team has dominated Europe under Pep Guardiola's leadership with ambitious signings, Barça has undergone a rebuilding process that now seems to have reached its end. With Hansi Flick on the bench, the Catalan club aims to compete at the elite level again and, to achieve this, they're determined to move quickly in this summer transfer market.
It's no secret that both Manchester City and Barça share interests, agents, and objectives, especially since there have already been cross-operations in the past such as Ferran Torres or Gündogan. There has also been direct competition for players like Erling Haaland, who ended up joining Pep Guardiola's team. This time, a La Liga talent has once again brought this "rivalry" to the forefront, and to the surprise of many, Barça has come out on top.
Deal closed, joins Barça
According to the latest reports, FC Barcelona has reached an agreement with Joan García, Espanyol's goalkeeper, and will trigger his release clause, valued at €25 million. The goalkeeper, a major revelation of the season, was also a target for Manchester City, but he has chosen to defend the culé goal. Barça has offered him a starting position and an important role in Flick's project, which has been key to finalizing the deal.
Espanyol already assumes his departure, and in the coming hours, the blaugrana club is expected to deposit the clause. Joan García will sign for five seasons and will join the new culé project as a firm bet for the future. For Guardiola, who had him on his list as a replacement for his goal, the news is an unexpected blow in the midst of City's restructuring.
Uncertain scenario for Ter Stegen
Joan García's arrival raises an important question within Barça's squad: the future of Marc-André ter Stegen. Although the German has a contract until 2028, the sporting management has doubts about his physical condition after his knee injuries. Direct competition with the young Catalan goalkeeper could motivate a mutually agreed departure if continuity isn't guaranteed.
Joan García's signing, in addition to representing a generational change between the posts, is intended as a long-term solution. The club sees in him a modern, agile profile with great international projection potential. His choice of Barça over City reaffirms the appeal that the blaugrana project still holds for young talents.