Hansi Flick has requested the signing of a goalkeeper and Deco doesn't intend to let time pass. Mundo Deportivo has discovered that the chosen one is none other than Joan García, Espanyol goalkeeper who has completed a great season in LaLiga. The situation between the posts at Barça is at least challenging and he is considered a strategic signing, both for the present and the future.
Joan García: The chosen one at Barça
The sports management has set several requirements in the search for a new goalkeeper. He must be young, tall, with reach, and guarantee noteworthy interventions. Precisely Joan García meets all of them, having a price that makes him the biggest bargain on the market: only 25 million euros. This is what his release clause states, which is awaiting a last-minute update.
Since Espanyol hasn't been relegated, Joan García's clause has been kept at 25 million instead of dropping to 15 "rocks", but now it might even increase. In the event that Luis de la Fuente ends up calling him for the Nations League and he becomes a full international with Spain, it would increase to 30 million euros.
Barça is not alone in the race for Joan García, but now it does seem to be the best positioned. Despite belonging to Espanyol, the Catalan would prioritize continuing to live in Spain. So far, "only" approaches from abroad have been received, with Arsenal, Aston Villa, or Leverkusen interested.
What FC Barcelona has in mind is clear: sign the Catalan for the next five seasons, with a salary that is in the mid-low range of the pay scale.
Joan García: Generational replacement at Barça
In the event that the signing of the desired goalkeeper is finalized, there will have to be departures at FC Barcelona. Ter Stegen, with a contract until 2028, would see his continuity as the undisputed starter in jeopardy. Meanwhile, there is also the case of Szczesny, whose contract ends on June 30 and has not yet replied to the renewal proposal.
Finally, there is the youth player Iñaki Peña, with all the numbers to be transferred in the summer. He is aiming for Celta, which will play in the Europa League next season.
Barça intends to solve a problem that was coming up immediately: Joan García is the chosen one. He has a price of 25 million euros and Espanyol refers to this release clause.