In a major development for FC Barcelona, 24-year-old keeper Joan Garcia has announced his departure from RCD Espanyol to make a big-time move to the Catalan rivals.
Joan Garcia shared an emotional video farewell through social media, with the caption “Thanks for everything, pericos.
To all the way!” in his farewell message to Espanyol fans after nine years at the club. “Ana, of course, this is difficult for me.
I tried to develop every day as a football player, as well as as a person, always with humility, effort, and pride defending the goal of Real Espanyol,” Garcia said.
Barcelona triggered Garcia’s € 25 million release clause, plus an additional € 1.34 million for CPI adjustment, totalling € 26.34 million, it was confirmed by Espanyol’s parent group, Rastar Group, according to La Liga.
The move, finalized in record time within a period of two weeks, is awaiting only an official announcement from Barcelona, which should take place soon after Garcia is back from holiday.
He has signed an estimated six-year deal which will run until 2031.
He will now be expected to be the number one goalkeeper for Hansi Flick.
Garcia’s transfer has already caused serious discussion among Espanyol fans, with some calling him a “mercenary rat” for now being associated with their archrivals.
Even though Garcia was instrumental in helping Espanyol remain in La Liga with some outstanding performances, including a 1-0 victory against Real Madrid, the outrage over his transfer has ignited a considerable hate campaign in support of Espanyol, including graffiti in his hometown of Sallent.
As Barcelona prepare to bed in Garcia, his transfer indicates a push towards habitually changing their goalkeeping department.
With Wojciech Szczęsny as backup and Marc-André ter Stegen uncertain for their future, Garcia as a transfer could serve Barça’s 2025-26 purpose post-season, while also heralding relevant young and skillful talent, and in excess of his €25 million transfer fee would also offer value across the future.
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