Barcelona continue tracking fierce rival’s shot-stopper amid growing goalkeeping uncertainty | OneFootball

FC Barcelona share one of the biggest sporting rivalries in the world with Real Madrid. However, their fiercest rivalry, one that extends beyond football, is arguably with Espanyol. The two Catalan clubs share deep-rooted animosity, which is evident whenever they face each other.

Sporting-wise, there is a huge gulf between the two clubs with FC Barcelona in the upper echelons of Spanish football while Espanyol have been yo-yoing between first division and second division football for some time now.

With all this in perspective, it is uncommon for Barcelona to poach talent from their local rivals. It does happen at the academy level now and then, but with regards to the first team, this is not something that happens often.

The last player to make this switch was Martin Braithwaite, who left Barcelona on a free transfer to join Espanyol in the 2022/23 season. Conversely, the last player to move in the opposite direction was Igor Korneev, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer back in the 1994/95 season.

Now, as per Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona could be set to cross this divide, as the Blaugranes are keeping tabs on Espanyol’s talented shot-stopper Joan García.

García has been under regular observation by Barcelona, with scouting reports painting a highly favorable picture. The 23-year-old goalkeeper has been instrumental for Manolo González’s Espanyol side, frequently earning MVP honors for his match-winning saves.

His standout performances, including a clean sheet against Real Madrid at Cornellà, have only increased interest in his services.

Espanyol, in need of financial restructuring, is now more open to selling García. Arsenal made a late attempt to sign him in August 2024, offering €20 million, but Espanyol refused to negotiate below his €30 million release clause, which rises to €35 million if he secures an international cap.

However, Espanyol’s Sporting Director Fran Garagarza has suggested that the club could be more flexible in negotiations.

“Clause or nothing? No. In the summer market, when Arsenal called in the final week, then yes, it had to be the full amount. But if an offer arrives on June 14 that isn’t the clause but comes close in fixed and variable amounts, Espanyol won’t say no. They can’t afford to say no. If a club comes with €8 million for Joan García, now that would be a bad sale.”

FC Barcelona’s goalkeeping situation for the 2025-26 season remains an unresolved puzzle, with several key decisions yet to be finalized.

The club’s planning largely depends on the gradual return of Marc-André ter Stegen, while Wojciech Szczęsny’s future remains uncertain. Additionally, Iñaki Peña’s contract extension is still up in the air, forcing Barcelona’s sporting department to actively explore alternative options in the market.

According to MD, the Catalans have already compiled a shortlist of potential reinforcements in case an emergency solution is needed. Among the names under consideration are Diogo Costa (Porto), Álvaro Valles (Las Palmas), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Mio Backhaus (Werder Bremen), and Joan García (Espanyol). Notably, García has emerged as a favorite within Barcelona’s sporting hierarchy.

With the club closely monitoring the situation, García could become a viable option should Barcelona decide to bolster the goalkeeping department. However, much will depend on how the situations of Ter Stegen, Szczęsny, and Peña evolve in the coming months.