Barcelona closely tracking La Liga ace with €25m release clause amid doubts over veteran | OneFootball

As FC Barcelona get set to take on RCD Espanyol on Thursday, the latter club’s No. 1, Joan Garcia, is currently the most talked-about goalkeeper in La Liga, and arguably across Europe.

The 24-year-old Spanish ace has been statistically outstanding this season – leading La Liga in total saves with 138 while ranking second across Europe.

Naturally, Garcia has become one of the most sought-after players in European football, with some of the most elite teams keeping an eye on him.

Barcelona also tracking Joan Garcia

And, according to AS, Barcelona are keeping a close watch on Joan Garcia heading into the summer transfer window.

The Espanyol shot-stopper will be in action tomorrow against the Blaugrana in the Catalan derby and Hansi Flick & co. will closely monitor how he performs in the big game.

This comes after reports emerged that there are growing concerns within Barcelona about their current first-choice goalkeeper and captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Even though the German international has a contract with Barça until 2028, there are some worries about his physical condition after a long-term injury as well as his performances.

Joan Garcia on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Moreover, there is interest in the 32-year-old shot-stopper from Saudi Arabia which could fetch the club a good amount of money.

Amidst all this, Garcia has emerged as a possible candidate to take over as the No. 1, in case Barcelona decide to shake things up in their goalkeeping department.

Garcia’s €25 million release clause

Garcia’s current release clause is set at €25 million, but it could increase to €30 million under two conditions.

The first is if he receives a call-up to the Spanish national team – something still possible ahead of the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Germany on June 5.

The second scenario is a clause that automatically increases the fee during the final 15 days of the transfer window. However, that is more unlikely due to Espanyol’s financial urgency as they are under pressure to finalise a sale by 30 June for at least €15 million.

Arsenal are said to be in talks with Espanyol for Garcia and are believed to be in ‘pole position’ at the moment. But Barcelona remain in the picture for the Spanish ace.