Big news! Newcastle tries to steal Joan García from Barça

The signing of Joan García could become much more complicated than expected for FC Barcelona. Although the Blaugrana team has an agreement in principle with the Espanyol goalkeeper, several teams are interested in the 'Perico' academy player due to his excellent season in LaLiga and the value of his clause.

The latest information points to Newcastle's interest in Espanyol's '1'. The 'Magpies' sealed their qualification for the Champions League for the second time in the last three seasons over the weekend and prioritize incorporating a young goalkeeper, as their three goalkeepers (Nick Pope, Martin Dúbravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos) are over 30 years old.

In addition, Vlachodimos is a fixed discard for the next season, while Pope and Dúbravka are in their last year of contract. García, for his part, was the leader in saves in LaLiga 24/25, with 146 in 38 games (an average of 4 per game). Beyond Espanyol's permanence in Primera, his departure is almost a fact.

Why Joan García's clause could ruin the signing for Barça?

Joan García in a duel between RCD Espanyol and Real Madrid in LaLiga EA Sports 2024-25

Another key factor in the negotiations for Joan, his termination clause, can be a double-edged sword for Barça's interests. According to what is established in his contract, if Luis de la Fuente included him in the squad for the 'final four' of the Nations League, the goalkeeper's clause would increase by 5 million.

However, the national coach opted for Unai Simón (Athletic), David Raya (Arsenal) and Álex Remiro (Real Sociedad) to occupy the goal of La Roja against France and in a hypothetical final against Germany or Portugal.

In this way, Joan García's clause remains at 25 'kilos', an affordable amount for the heavyweights in Europe. Newcastle, one of the richest in the Premier League, could keep the one from Sallent de Llobregat next week, once the transfer market opens for the Club World Cup (from June 1 to 10).

Barça, on the other hand, still cannot make incorporations due to lack of cash and salary margin in its squad. The club is confident of returning to the 1:1 rule soon thanks to the postponed income from the sale of the VIP seats at the Spotify Camp Nou, but this does not mean that the team can open its checkbook immediately.

As things stand, the Blaugrana team could compromise what can undoubtedly be a real signing due to the low cost and very high projection of the Catalan goalkeeper, whose market value reaches 20 million in Transfermarkt.

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