Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Joan García. The 24-year-old goalkeeper had the €25 million release clause in his contract activated, according to Espanyol. García himself shared a farewell video on his social media.
Although Espanyol only managed to secure their place in La Liga on the final day of the season, Joan García stood out as one of the team’s few consistent bright spots.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper delivered a remarkably strong individual campaign, often keeping his side alive in matches they had no business staying in. With a total of 142 saves over the course of the league season the highest of any goalkeeper in La Liga García emerged as not just a crucial figure for Espanyol, but as one of the most talked-about keepers in European football. His agility, quick reflexes, and command of the box caught the attention of multiple top-tier clubs.
Premier League sides Arsenal, Manchester City, and Newcastle United were all reportedly monitoring the Spaniard’s situation closely, drawn in by both his numbers and his potential to develop further. Bayer Leverkusen, too, had identified him as a top target before eventually opting to sign Mark Flekken. While many assumed García would make a move abroad, especially given Espanyol’s financial position and inability to match the ambitions of Europe's elite, the situation took a different turn.
By the end of May, it became increasingly apparent that FC Barcelona were in pole position to secure his signature. The reigning Spanish champions, undergoing a subtle rebuild under the newly appointed Hansi Flick, saw García as a long-term investment in goal. With the club’s hierarchy aiming to refresh key areas of the squad with young, Spanish talent, García fit the bill perfectly. A personal agreement between the player and Barcelona was reached swiftly, and just a few weeks later, the Catalan giants officially triggered the €25 million release clause in his Espanyol contract a significant sum for a goalkeeper but one Barça felt was justified.
García, who had been with Espanyol since his youth, posted an emotional farewell video on social media thanking fans, teammates, and staff for their support. His message underlined the bittersweet nature of the move: the excitement of joining one of the biggest clubs in the world, combined with the pain of leaving the only professional home he had ever known. The transfer also carries extra emotional weight given the fierce local rivalry between Espanyol and Barcelona.
Now officially a Barça player, García becomes the club’s first signing of the summer and potentially the beginning of a new era between the posts. His arrival adds immediate depth and long-term competition to a position that has recently seen increased uncertainty at Camp Nou.
A New Era Between the Posts?
The signing of García is not without deeper implications, particularly for Marc-André ter Stegen. Once an undisputed starter and a cornerstone of Barcelona’s modern successes, the 33-year-old German goalkeeper is now facing growing questions about his future at the club. Ter Stegen missed a large portion of last season due to a persistent knee injury, and although he returned to action late in the campaign, he was no longer seen as untouchable. According to multiple reports in the Spanish press, the club’s leadership and Hansi Flick in particular are beginning to reconsider his role moving forward.
The former Borussia Mönchengladbach keeper, who has spent nearly a decade at Barcelona and delivered countless standout performances, may find himself in an unexpected battle for the number one spot. With García now pushing for minutes and Szczęsny already brought in as a temporary solution during Ter Stegen’s injury absence, the German international could face a serious challenge to reclaim his previous status.
Wojciech Szczęsny’s short-term deal with Barcelona, agreed during the latter half of the previous season, was originally viewed as an emergency stopgap. The 34-year-old Pole had effectively stepped away from top-level football, having already announced plans to wind down his career. Yet his performances exceeded expectations, bringing calm and leadership to a turbulent defensive phase. While Szczęsny is not seen as a long-term solution, his presence remains another complicating factor in the goalkeeping rotation.
As for García, the opportunity ahead of him is immense. The Club World Cup, pre-season tours, and early La Liga fixtures could all serve as platforms for him to stake a claim to the starting role. At just 24, he has time on his side but Barcelona’s environment offers little margin for error. Every mistake will be scrutinized, every save measured against Ter Stegen’s legacy. However, with a solid defensive line, a world-class coaching staff, and a supportive dressing room around him, García could be poised to take the biggest leap of his career.
What remains clear is that Barcelona’s goalkeeping hierarchy is no longer fixed. A position that was once the most predictable on the team sheet is now the subject of debate, reshuffling, and strategic transition. Whether García rises to the challenge or Ter Stegen reclaims his throne remains to be seen but the battle for Barça’s goal is officially on.
