Barcelona Confirms Signing New Goalkeeper From Rival Club

Barcelona Secures Joan García in €25 Million Deal, Contracted Through 2031

 FC Barcelona has officially completed the signing of 24-year-old goalkeeper Joan García from title rivals Espanyol. The Catalan giants paid his €25 million release clause—plus an inflation adjustment—to bring him on a six‑year contract, extending through June 30, 2031.

García developed through Espanyol’s youth academy from age 15, progressing to first‑team prominence over recent seasons. In the 2024–25 campaign, he led La Liga in total saves with 146 and was instrumental in securing Espanyol’s top‑flight survival. Additionally, the keeper holds an Olympic gold medal with Spain's U23 side from Paris 2024.

The move also marked a substantial financial milestone for Barcelona’s board. Espanyol receives a net €18.75 million profit from the transfer, while García’s salary will increase nearly tenfold—from approximately €400,000 to €3 million annually.

In a heartfelt farewell video, García addressed Espanyol supporters:

“It’s time for our paths to diverge… I know this decision won’t be easy to understand… but I want you to know it's been very carefully considered.”

Barcelona’s official announcement clarified that García will sign his contract at a private ceremony in the club’s offices this Friday.

While García adds depth to the goalkeeping roster—already comprising Marc‑André ter Stegen, Wojciech Szczęsny, and Iñaki Peña—La Liga president Javier Tebas cautions that Barça must adhere to the “1 : 1” financial regulation before fully registering the new signing.

García’s arrival signals a shift in Barcelona's long-term plans between the posts, and the club is anticipated to make further roster adjustments as the summer transfer window approaches.