One of the summer's bombs, in terms of transfers, has exploded quickly. Without even reaching mid-June, we can already predict that Joan García's transfer to FC Barcelona will be one of the most interesting moves of the summer market, a deal that hasn't been finalized yet but is considered a done deal by all parties involved. RCD Espanyol, despite the anger of the blanquiazul fans with their savior this season for moving to the eternal rival, will receive 25 million euros from this sale, the second largest in their history. The former perico goalkeeper, aware that the culé project is ambitious and looks promising, is making a significant leap both financially and athletically in his career without having to leave Barcelona. Barça, at a time when they can't afford major outlays to improve the squad, are getting a top-class reinforcement between the posts at a more than affordable price. As much as it may hurt in Cornellà - El Prat, all parties come out ahead.
As could not be otherwise, this move has caused euphoria among Barcelona fans. First, because it deals a heavy blow to the city rival, since at first it seemed unlikely that Joan García would switch from blanquiazul to blaugrana given what that entails. Second, because the player being brought in has a spectacular level, as we've all witnessed the performance shown by the Sallent goalkeeper this season, with unbelievable saves more worthy of a video game than real life. Therefore, for culé fans, it's a more than exciting signing, especially coming after a season in which there was a sense that, with a top-level goalkeeper between the posts, perhaps the treble could've been a reality.
On paper, then, Joan García's arrival at Camp Nou couldn't be more encouraging for blaugrana fans, assuming from the outset that we'll already see a superb level from the goalkeeper. This is where culé supporters need to be patient. Joan has all the qualities needed to be one of the best goalkeepers on the planet, if he isn't already. But he's joining a team with a defensive approach completely opposite to what the Catalan goalkeeper is used to, and that's something that will need to be worked on. At RCD Espanyol, the defensive line usually sat very deep, while Flick places his almost at midfield, which forces whoever is in goal to act as a sweeper, intercepting balls played behind the defense. In addition, Barça's approach also requires a goalkeeper with exceptional footwork, and that's another area where the Sallent native will need to work to be up to the task.
Without a doubt, Joan García's arrival at Can Barça is good news for Barcelona's interests. The former periquito goalkeeper is a bet for both the present and the future and is destined to be a game-changing keeper, something that, as we see year after year, is a trait shared by all teams that manage to win the Champions League. Culé fans only need to be asked for a bit of time, not to demand to see from minute one the shot-stopper we saw last season at Cornellà - El Prat. Joan's quality is obvious and undeniable; it's time to let Flick work with him and mold him to the team's needs. So, a great signing, but patience with him.