Joan García is, officially, a new Barça player after signing the contract that will link him to the culer club until June 30, 2031. The goalkeeper went at midday to the Spotify Camp Nou offices, where he was accompanied by his agents, members of FC Barcelona's sporting management, and Laporta. After the private event, the Catalan gave some statements to the club's official television, "Barça One".
"I was really looking forward to it"
Joan García's first words as a culer were not well received at Espanyol. In these, he began by saying: "I'm very happy, I was really looking forward to this day. It's finally here".
Regarding his goals with this move, he stated: "To keep growing as a goalkeeper, to win a lot, and to achieve very beautiful things with the team, that's why I came".
Joan García continued: "When there's such a young team with such good players, it's a very exciting project. I'm lucky to know many of them, I'm eager to get started and be with them".
Finally, he concluded: "I consider myself a brave goalkeeper, I like to help in every situation. I'm quick, with good reflexes, and I try to contribute in the aerial game. It's very special, I've seen the model of Spotify Camp Nou and it's impressive. I'm really looking forward to debuting there and having many victories".
Joan García's price and salary
In total, the Catalan has cost €26.3 million ($26.3 million) in a single payment: 25 "kilos" corresponding to his release clause and 1.3 more for CPI.
With this move to Barça, Joan García will earn almost ten times more than he did at Espanyol. From the €400,000 ($400,000) per year he was pocketing, he will now move to €3 million ($3 million).
Joan García arrives as an undisputed starter at Barça, being the main condition he set to accept this move. In this regard, he signs for the next six seasons, until 2031, helping his registration in a more beneficial agreement for all parties. He hopes there won't be any problem in this regard, having the culer team's word that he will be their priority in the coming weeks.
The Catalan is extremely happy to be able to play defending Barça's colors, and he's really looking forward to making his debut at Spotify Camp Nou. Hansi Flick will have him at his disposal at the start of preseason, when the culer squad will head to Asia.