Barcelona are unlikely to land Joan García, giving Man United and Arsenal a crucial advantage in the race | OneFootball

Beyond their attacking concerns, the one other position troubling Manchester United is the goalkeeper situation.

With the unreliable André Onana and the shaky Altay Bayındır, United have been leaking cheap goals.

The errors from their shot-stoppers have unsettled the defence, leaving the team exposed at the back.

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed reports on the type of goalkeeper head coach Ruben Amorim wants.

The Portuguese tactician aims to return to basics, prioritising a shot-stopper who excels in traditional goalkeeping duties.

Amorim wants United to move away from the ball-playing goalkeeper and focus instead on one who makes crucial saves, commands the box with authority, and remains composed under pressure.

The identity of this goalkeeper remains unknown, but with INEOS expected to hold talks with Espanyol’s Joan García, he could be the leading candidate.

García is one of the fastest-rising goalkeepers in European football.

The La Liga 2024-25 Sofascore Team of the Season standout is known for pulling off impossible saves, his strong physical presence, and his proven ability to perform at the highest level despite being only 24 years old.

He is widely tipped to become Europe’s next elite goalkeeper, and reports from Spain suggest that after helping Espanyol avoid relegation, he is ready to take the next step in his career.

Several top clubs are monitoring him, but United’s biggest rivals for his signature appear to be Barcelona and Arsenal.

Camp Nou, Old Trafford, or the Emirates Stadium—which destination will García choose?

Barcelona admire the shot-stopper, but their fierce rivalry with Espanyol could complicate a potential transfer.

The controversy surrounding such a move might make García hesitate.

Espanyol manager Manolo González, moreover, remains confident that García will not be heading to Barcelona.

Via AS, Manolo emphatically dismissed the speculation, saying:

“Maybe he’s already sold, but the club hasn’t told me anything. Personally, I highly doubt he’ll sign for Barcelona. I’m not saying I’d cut off one of my hands to guarantee it, but nearly.”

With Barcelona seemingly out of the picture, Arsenal could emerge as United’s biggest obstacle in securing García’s signature.

The North London club can offer the goalkeeper UEFA Champions League football—something United cannot.

However, the 20-time English champions can promise him something even more valuable.

García is determined to be the undisputed first-choice wherever he goes.

With Premier League Golden Glove winner David Raya in their ranks, it remains to be seen whether the league runners-up can guarantee him the starting role he desires.

United, however, can offer him that.

Even with guaranteed game time, convincing the Spaniard with their long-term project will be crucial.

Once that is secured, they could then trigger his €25 million (£21 million) release clause.

If INEOS can pull off this deal, they will secure their goalkeeper position for years to come.

Featured image David Ramos via Getty Images

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