FC BARCELONA TRANSFERS 2025
Barça is getting closer to Joan García, but 3 clubs are looking to prevent his signing!
Published New:31/05/2025 - 17:46h
Updated New:31/05/2025 - 17:52h
Barça is very close to closing the signing of Joan García. However, in England and Italy they also want the Espanyol goalkeeper
The FC Barcelona board is confident of closing the signing of Joan García soon. The Sallent has decided to leave Espanyol in the summer market and, for the moment, the Azulgrana offer seems to be the most solid, especially at a sporting level, for the Catalan goalkeeper.
Although he would have to compete with Ter Stegen and Szczesny for the starting position, the brilliant future of the squad led by Hansi Flick and the possibility of becoming, in the long term, the owner of the Barça goal, lead García to lean towards the culé proposal.
However, the Azulgrana team is not, by any means, alone in the 'race' for the signing of the '1' of the 'pericos'. In Italy, Napoli is looking for a guaranteed replacement for Alex Meret, who in theory should renew soon with the Partenopei team.
In addition, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal is also looking for another 'top' goalkeeper for 25/26, although there is full confidence in David Raya in the medium and long term. In all cases, Joan García would arrive to be a substitute, although with real options to fight for the starting position.
Joan García, a 'low cost' signing with a very promising future
And one of the main attractions of the Espanyol goalkeeper in the market, without a doubt, is his termination clause. The Catalan will leave the 'pericos' for only 25 million euros, a more than reasonable figure considering that his market value already reaches 20 'kilos' in Transfermarkt.
In addition, he is a very young player (24 years old) who is already in the orbit of the National Team, although Luis de la Fuente ruled out including him in the squad for the 'final four' of the Nations League. Hence Naples and Arsenal have him in their sights, both with a guaranteed place for the next Champions League.
In that sense, both the Premier League and Serie A are preparing very busy summers in terms of signings. In the case of Naples, the beginning of a new cycle is not ruled out either, since coach Antonio Conte has not yet confirmed his continuity in the brand new Italian champion.
Will Newcastle be able to prevent Joan García's arrival at Barça?
On the other hand, Barça still has another strong rival for Joan García in the market that opens next week. In recent days, Newcastle has fully joined the fight for the Catalan goalkeeper, as coach Eddie Howe prioritizes reinforcing his goal for the club's return to the Champions League.
The 'magpies' do not have the Greek Odysseas Vlachodimos and their other two goalkeepers (Nick Pope and Martin Dúbravka) end their contract in 2026 and, for the moment, there is no progress on their possible renewals, as they are two experienced players, both well over 30 years old.
In principle, Espanyol prefers to negotiate with Newcastle rather than Barça and this was made clear by their coach, Manolo González, when referring to the future of the '1'. "Maybe he is already sold, but the club has not told me anything. Personally, I highly doubt that he will sign for Barcelona. I'm not saying I would cut off a hand, but almost," he said days ago.
The one from Sallent, that is, is not the only option for the goal that those from St. James Park are considering. According to 'Daily Mail', the current Burnley goalkeeper, James Trafford, is one of coach Howe's favorite options.
In any case, Newcastle and Espanyol have had recent contacts and proof of this is the friendly match that both teams will play on August 9, just before the start of the season. Will Joan García accept the 'magpies' proposal? In financial terms, the English offer is much more attractive, but in sporting terms Barça has an advantage.
Unless there is a surprise, the first week of the summer market will be decisive in defining the future of the goalkeeper with the most saves (146 in 38 games) in LaLiga 24/25 and the best projection of Spanish football. His arrival, without a doubt, will be a 'top' reinforcement for the Azulgrana team if it is finally completed.
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