Barcelona is on the brink of securing their top transfer target, a 24-year-old star, with a five-year contract set to be finalized next week.
The La Liga winners have faced multiple hurdles to get this deal done, indicating that the 24-year-old Spaniard will have a good chance at the first spot in the pecking order.
The goalkeeper represents a long-term move to solidify the position in the club’s sporting department.
The player in question is Joan Garcia, who has signed a five-year contract with Barcelona, as reported by Diario Sport.
The club will activate its €25 million release clause to bring him over from Espanyol.
Garcia viewed the move as the best option for him, both financially and in terms of sporting ambition, despite being in demand amongst Premier League clubs.
Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, ensured that Garcia remained in Spain and benefited from a cheap release clause.
Talks were held about loaning him out, but Garcia made it clear he wanted to come to Barcelona and compete for the No. 1 position straight away.
It was not an easy decision for Garcia, given the emotional hurdle of leaving Espanyol and joining their bitter rivals, Barcelona.
Even though several sides in the Premier League had shown interest, many of those options did not come to fruition, and in the end, Garcia was convinced by Barcelona’s determination to do the deal.
The club is anticipated to finalise the transfer in the next few days, with the payment for the release clause expected next week, as Garcia is currently on holiday and Deco is absent.
With backing from manager Hansi Flick, Garcia is being seen as a long-term investment.
There is no belief that Marc-Andre ter Stegen is in a hurry to leave, but he will have competition for his position.
The move from Barcelona reflects a desire to refresh the squad and sign a talented prospect for the future.
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