Barça is about to finalize the signing of Joan García. Espanyol's goalkeeper will sign with the blaugrana club after the payment of his release clause, which amounts to 25 million. The deal is practically done and it's expected to become official soon.
Barça has closely followed Joan García's progress throughout the season. His performance at Espanyol has been outstanding, and his youth makes him a bet for the present and, above all, for the future.
The heir to Ter Stegen
In the offices, they are certain that Joan García isn't coming to be a backup, but to take on the starting role. At 33 years old, Ter Stegen is in the final stretch of his professional career and, although he remains a top-level goalkeeper, the club believes it's time. That's why they see Joan as the natural successor, a strategic signing that could secure the goal for the next 10 years.
Additionally, the price of the deal has been another key factor. Signing a young goalkeeper with experience in the First Division and with a release clause of only 25 million is an opportunity that doesn't come around every day. In an inflated market, finding domestic talent at a good price is almost a miracle, and Barça didn't want to let the opportunity slip by.
Ter Stegen's discontent
However, not everything has been calm in this deal. Within the locker room, Ter Stegen hasn't taken the news well. The German is upset with the club, mainly because he wasn't informed in advance about Joan García's signing.
At Barça, they are aware that Ter Stegen won't be an easy backup. His competitive nature and strong personality make him a player who will hardly accept a secondary role without resistance. That's why, although Joan García's signing is seen as a step toward the future, it has also caused some internal tension that will need to be solved.
Laporta sets the course
In this situation, Joan Laporta hasn't taken long to intervene. Barça's president has appeared visibly upset by Ter Stegen's reaction. In several internal meetings, he has made it clear that no player is above the badge, and that the club's decisions are made with the collective good in mind.
Laporta has been firm, and if Ter Stegen wants to stay at Barça, he'll have to accept Joan García's arrival and compete. The club is grateful for his years of service, but believes the time has come to look ahead. The future is built with bold decisions, and this is one of them.