Joan García is, officially, a new player for FC Barcelona. Last Saturday, LaLiga informed Espanyol that Barça had given the order to pay his release clause. In total, the Catalan goalkeeper has cost €26.3 million in a single payment: €25 million for his clause and €1.3 million for CPI.
After several weeks of negotiations, Joan García ultimately gave the final green light to Barça to carry out a very risky move. Trained in Espanyol's youth academy, the goalkeeper is now heading to its biggest rival, having caused a lot of anger among Espanyol fans. He won't have an easy return to Cornellà, which, as always, will be marked by a hostile and anti-Barcelona atmosphere.
Joan García to Barça, salary and conditions
In recent hours, Joan García's salary during his time at Barça has also been revealed. "SER" has reported that the 24-year-old will earn almost ten times more than he did at Espanyol. From the €400,000 per year he was earning, he will now move up to €3 million.
Although he had doubts, Joan has felt financially "mistreated" at Espanyol, being the main architect of its continuity in the top division. Months ago, he was promised a salary increase that never arrived, which made his decision to leave for FC Barcelona easier from that perspective.
Joan García arrives as the undisputed starter at Barça, which was the main condition he imposed to accept this move. In this regard, he signs for the next six seasons, until 2031, helping his registration in a deal that's more beneficial for all parties. He hopes there won't be any problems in this regard, having Barça's word that he will be its priority in the coming weeks.
Joan García is Spain's future
Joan García has taken a decisive step in his career by signing for FC Barcelona after an excellent season at Espanyol. At 24 years old, the Catalan goalkeeper has established himself as one of the great prospects of Spanish soccer between the posts, and now arrives at Camp Nou with the challenge of competing for the starting spot and continuing to grow under Hansi Flick's guidance.
During the last campaign, Joan was one of the keys for Espanyol, delivering brilliant performances and showing maturity, reflexes, and composure. His agility, footwork, and personality in the box make him an ideal fit for the style Barça wants to impose. At Barça, they see him as the goalkeeper of the future, capable of leading a new era between the posts.
Expectations are high and everything suggests that he will soon make the leap with the Spanish national team as well. Luis de la Fuente is closely following him and it isn't ruled out that he could be included in the next squad list. Joan García is already a Barça player. Everyone in Spanish soccer is starting to see him as the natural heir to the national team's goal.