Thibaut Courtois will turn 35 in months and in Real Madrid it's considered crucial to secure his future replacement in goal at a good price. There is a long list of goalkeepers who are of great interest to Florentino Pérez, but one in particular leads this list: Joan García. He plays for Espanyol and, though the season is not going well for the "pericos," it could be worse if they didn't have the Catalan.
He is 23 years old, will turn 24 a few days before Courtois, and he is considered a strategic signing to strengthen Bernabéu's goal. There are fantastic relations with Espanyol, there is no intention to force any situation and the idea is to reach an agreement. They have started negotiations to finalize the incorporation of Joan García for the next season, where the plan is clear: lower the 30 million of his release clause.
What Florentino Pérez intends is to include several players in the operation with Espanyol to aim for a more attractive price. The "perico" team has come closer and finds this move a good idea, trying to get the best possible return for Joan García. The Catalans know that there are several clubs willing to pay his clause for the next summer market, so reaching an agreement is crucial.
Joan García, target of Real Madrid: negotiations underway with Espanyol
Nothing imminent is expected. Florentino Pérez laid the first stone taking advantage of the match against Espanyol and the idea is to continue negotiating, without haste, but without pause.
Joan García approved the possibility of wearing Real Madrid's jersey, knowing that in his first seasons he would have to play a secondary role. The undisputed starter will be Thibaut Courtois until he retires, something that no one can change.
In the event of Joan García's arrival, there will be a player affected in Real Madrid's squad: Lunin. However, this is a scenario that was already anticipated. The idea is for the Ukrainian to be transferred during the next summer market, taking advantage of the needs in the Premier League and the opportunity to get a good price.
Florentino Pérez has initiated the plan. Joan García, from Espanyol, is chosen to be Thibaut Courtois's heir at Real Madrid. This is the idea and negotiations are expected to continue over the coming months.