FC Barcelona already has its sights set on the 2025/26 season. After winning three out of four titles with Hansi Flick, the management is preparing the squad to keep competing at the highest level. In this planning, the goalkeeper position takes on special prominence.
Joan García, priority target
Joan García, goalkeeper of RCD Espanyol, has become one of the standout names in LaLiga this season. His performance has been outstanding, and many experts agree that he has been one of the best goalkeepers in the competition.
Barça hasn't wasted any time and has already set its sights on him. Although the blaugrana goalkeeping line-up includes Ter Stegen and Szczesny, the club sees Joan as a future investment. They want to secure his signing and build a project with him at the center.
The loan as key to his development
Knowing that Joan needs minutes to continue growing, Barça plans to loan him to another First Division team. The idea is for him to play as a starter and keep the upward trajectory that has led him to stand out this season.
Among the clubs that have shown interest are Valencia and Real Betis. The player agrees with this formula, as he prioritizes time on the field over other matters. The club wants to avoid Joan stagnating and missing the opportunity to see him shine.
The 'bridge club' plan, the Liverpool formula
Barça is also considering an alternative route reminiscent of Liverpool's strategy with Mamardashvili. In that case, Liverpool paid the player's release clause and then loaned him for a season to gain experience.
If due to 'fair-play' issues the direct loan can't be carried out, Joan could go through an intermediary club acting as a 'bridge' before arriving at Camp Nou. This option will allow the goalkeeper to stay in shape, playing and ready to take on the challenge when the time comes.
The future of the blaugrana goalkeeping
Ter Stegen and Szczesny will remain Barça's goalkeepers for the next season. However, the addition of Joan García represents a strategic move to secure the goalkeeping position in the long term.
The goalkeeper wants to play and keep improving, and the club is willing to facilitate his path. With this approach, Barça combines the experience of its current goalkeepers with the freshness and potential of a young promise.
Thus, the club follows the path set by other great teams, betting on young talent and intelligent planning to stay at the elite level.