Complications in the alleged interest of Barça in Joan García: What happens?

Recently, a great debate has opened around FC Barcelona's goalkeeping. Initially, there is no doubt that once Marc-André ter Stegen is in full condition, he will assume his role as the starting goalkeeper. However, from the German's figure, a significant number of uncertainties arise.

Will Wojciech Szczęsny renew for another season to be the second goalkeeper behind 'MATS'? If the Polish goalkeeper leaves, will Iñaki Peña continue as the second goalkeeper despite uncertainties about his renewal and role in the team? None of these scenarios are very clear.

Barcelona reportedly eyeing Joan García from Espanyol as a candidate to strengthen the goalkeeping position

In light of this, what appears to be an important reality is that with all these doubts, the Barcelona sporting direction cannot completely rest and is monitoring several options to strengthen the goalkeeping. In this regard, it has been rumored that the Culés could be closely following the situation of Joan García, goalkeeper at RCD Espanyol and one of the pleasant surprises so far in this 2024-25 season in LaLiga EA Sports, currently being the goalkeeper with the best save percentage per game (3.7) and the second best in terms of goals prevented per match (4.18).

If these factors are combined with aspects like his youth (23 years old), his steadiness in goal and good footwork, and a possibly affordable price of €30 million (€35 if called up by the Spanish national team), which is reflected as his release clause, make him an attractive goalkeeper to sign. With this in mind, it is not surprising that the Culés, as recently mentioned on 'Cadena Ser', have initiated some preliminary contacts to learn about the situation of the Sallent de Llobregat native.

'Periquitos' reportedly uninterested in negotiating with Culés for Joan García

However, as indicated in 'Relevo', the interest in Joan García from FC Barcelona could be hindered by a specific reason: the relationship between the Culés and the 'periquitos', suggesting that the board of RCD Espanyol may not be interested in starting negotiations to strengthen their great rival. Therefore, the Blaugrana would have to resort solely to his release clause to acquire his services.

This clause, according to the aforementioned source, would drastically decrease to €15 million if RCD Espanyol is relegated, making him more affordable for an FC Barcelona that, despite improving its financial situation, may not be willing to make significant short-term expenditures. Especially when it comes to strengthening positions other than the left wing or the full-backs.

Furthermore, it could represent a significant investment in a goalkeeper who, initially, would not arrive to be a starter. Here, it is important to consider the presence of Marc-André ter Stegen, which could also conflict with the plans of Joan García, who may see changing to a team where he is not the starting goalkeeper as a step backward, losing continuity in his game.