After an exceptional season crowned with a domestic treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup), Barcelona enters the summer transfer market with great ambitions and a clear desire to strengthen its squad to maintain domestic dominance and reclaim European glory.
It appears that the Catalan club’s management, led by president Joan Laporta and new coach Hansi Flick, has set a clear priority: signing a world-class goalkeeper to bolster the team and support its bid for the Champions League title.
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According to information from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Espanyol goalkeeper Juan García has emerged as one of the most prominent names in the transfer market, following a remarkable season in which many observers rated him the best goalkeeper in La Liga. Barcelona considers him a prime target to reinforce the goalkeeping position, but the club is not alone in the race. Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, has entered the fray in the final hours as a strong and unexpected contender.
Guardiola has given City the green light to begin pursuing García, should Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson’s departure be confirmed, as he has received several lucrative offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia. The Catalan coach is seeking a reliable replacement and views the Espanyol keeper as an ideal fit for both the present and the future, especially given his key role in Espanyol’s survival in the top division this season.
For Barcelona, Juan García is viewed as the natural heir to Marc-André ter Stegen, and his arrival could potentially accelerate the German goalkeeper’s departure if he no longer feels he is the undisputed starter. The club is prepared to activate the €25 million release clause but is still waiting for a final decision from García, who appears hesitant due to the intense pressure expected at Camp Nou.
On the other hand, Manchester City is offering a more attractive package, both in terms of salary and contractual guarantees. Guardiola is impressed by the young goalkeeper’s potential, footwork, quick reflexes, and competitive spirit. He also values García’s age—24 years—as it offers long-term growth within an ambitious project that aims to win all major titles every season.
Barcelona’s management is fully aware that García’s potential move to Manchester City could complicate their planning for next season. Although the player prioritizes the sporting project over financial aspects, it is difficult to ignore the chance to be a regular starter in a world-class team under a manager of Guardiola’s caliber. Moreover, the competition at Barcelona could be tougher, considering the presence of Ter Stegen or the possibility of another goalkeeper being signed.
Hansi Flick, Barça’s new coach, has already informed García that he would be a central figure in the club’s new project and that signing him is a strategic step in building the team’s future. However, he also acknowledges that Barcelona may not be able to match City’s financial offer or guarantees of playing time, which remains a concern for the club.
Barcelona now risks losing one of its most significant and costly targets of the summer, while Guardiola seems poised to snatch the goalkeeper that the Blaugrana have prioritized. A fierce battle is on the horizon.
