Barcelona has completed one of the most striking moves of the market: Joan García is now the new culé goalkeeper. Barça has paid the €25 million ($25 million) release clause. In just a few hours, the Catalan capital has experienced an earthquake.
The operation has sparked strong tension between the two entities. Joan García has moved from Espanyol to Barça, something very few could have imagined. Joan Laporta has won the battle with total authority.
Joan García is now Barça's new goalkeeper after the full payment of his release clause
Espanyol knew it could happen, but they couldn't prevent it. The clause was activated and the goalkeeper said "yes, I do." Laporta acted quickly and firmly to close the deal without leaks.
Espanyol fans haven't taken the news well. Many feel betrayed by Joan García. For Barça, however, it's a strategic and emotional victory.
Espanyol's board couldn't keep Joan García
Espanyol's board has already gotten to work. They want to strengthen the goal as soon as possible. The focus is now on shoring up the defense with a high-level reinforcement.
The name that is gaining the most traction in the offices is quite a surprise. The deal could be closed for a figure close to €10 million ($10 million). The big beneficiary, unexpectedly, would be Barça.
The €5 million ($5 million) Barça receives from a clause
Espanyol's target is Mika Mármol, central defender from UD Las Palmas. The blanquiazul team is willing to pay his clause. The intention is clear: to close a solid signing as soon as possible.
The curious thing is that this possible purchase would leave money in Barça's coffers. Joan Laporta kept 50% of the player's rights. That means half of the transfer would go to Camp Nou.
Mika Mármol's transfer will help Barça
If Espanyol pays the €10 million ($10 million) Las Palmas demands, Barça would automatically receive €5 million ($5 million). It's a perfect deal after signing Joan García. Laporta's move is almost flawless.
Everything suggests that Mika Mármol would welcome a return to Barcelona, even if it's on the blanquiazul side. Espanyol wants to build a solid foundation to compete for major goals again. Barça keeps profiting from its youth academy.
Summer couldn't start better for Joan Laporta
Summer has started very positively for Laporta. First, he closed an important signing and now he's adding unexpected income. Without playing a single match, Barça is already winning off the field.
The tension between fan bases will increase in the coming days. In the offices, the only one smiling is Joan Laporta. Everything happening in Barcelona seems to revolve in his favor.