Barcelona are reportedly ready to take decisive action in their pursuit of goalkeeper Joan García, with plans to trigger his €25 million release clause as early as next week, according to sources close to the club.
The 23-year-old Espanyol shot-stopper has emerged as a top target for the Catalan giants, particularly amid internal reshuffling and uncertainty surrounding Marc-André ter Stegen’s future. Rather than viewing García as a long-term project, Barcelona intend to bring him in as a key figure for the first team immediately upon arrival.
Initial reports had suggested that Barça might consider loaning García out for further development, but those plans have now been completely ruled out. Club officials and new head coach Hansi Flick are said to be aligned in their belief that García is ready to compete at the highest level right away.
His performances in La Liga with Espanyol have caught the eye with their consistency, composure, and impressive shot-stopping ability, making him a strong candidate to step into a high-pressure role at Camp Nou from day one.
The move reflects a broader shift in Barcelona’s transfer strategy—targeting young, high-potential talents who can contribute immediately rather than waiting for long-term development. With financial constraints still impacting the club, securing a player of García’s quality and readiness for €25 million is seen as a calculated and necessary investment. Should the deal go through as expected, García would not only become a central figure in Barça’s defensive setup but also symbolize the next generation of leadership between the posts.
