News

FC Barcelona has officially signed 24-year-old goalkeeper Joan García from RCD Espanyol for €25 million, activating his release clause. The Catalan goalkeeper will commit to a five-year contract starting in the 2025/26 season, following a crucial meeting with his agents and family in Barcelona.

A symbolic transfer across the city

Despite the emotional difficulty of moving from Espanyol to their historic rivals, García was seduced by Barça's ambitious sporting project and the opportunity to establish himself at the highest level.

A record transfer

With this transfer, Joan García becomes the second most expensive goalkeeper in Barça's history, just behind Neto Murara (€26 million). He is ahead of Cillessen, Ter Stegen and Bravo.

Top 5 most expensive goalkeepers at Barça:

1. Neto Murara – €26m (2019/20)

2. Joan García – €25 million (2025/26)

3. Jasper Cillessen – €13 million (2016/17)

4. Ter Stegen – €12m (2014/15)

5. Claudio Bravo – €12 million (2014/15)

Financial Fair Play: An Obstacle to Overcome

Although the deal is complete, García's registration with LaLiga is still subject to compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations. Some key revenue streams, such as Spotify Camp Nou VIP boxes and contract extensions, have yet to be validated. The club is actively working on departures (Lenglet, Fati, Peña, Torre) to free up wages.

The future of the goalkeeper position

Considered a potential successor to Ter Stegen, Joan García brings youth, potential, and local training. Calm and competitive, he enjoys the full confidence of the sporting management led by Deco. He will now face a dual challenge: meeting Barça's demands and overcoming the administrative constraints of La Liga.