Barcelona Secure Joan Garcia Signing as Ter Stegen’s Future Remains Unclear

Barcelona have completed the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia from local rivals Espanyol, with the transfer now officially confirmed following the fulfilment of all remaining formalities.

The deal had been expected for several days, particularly after Espanyol’s parent company, the Chinese “Rastar Group”, released a stock market statement over the weekend confirming that Barcelona had activated Garcia’s €26.3 million release clause in full.

Garcia, 23, is set to sign a six-year contract on Friday, tying him to the club until 30 June 2031. The young goalkeeper, who hails from Catalonia, is expected to play a key role in the club’s long-term plans between the posts.

Having joined Espanyol’s academy at the age of 15, Garcia progressed through all youth levels before making his senior debut in La Liga in January 2022 during a 2-1 defeat to Elche. Although Espanyol were relegated to the second division that same season, they returned to the top flight the following year, with Garcia firmly established as their first-choice goalkeeper.

In the 2024/25 season, Garcia played every minute of Espanyol’s 38 league matches, helping the club secure a mid-table 14th place finish. He also enjoyed international success, winning Olympic gold with Spain at the 2024 Summer Games.

Doubts Surround Ter Stegen’s Future

The arrival of Garcia inevitably casts doubt on the future of current Barcelona number one Marc-André ter Stegen. According to multiple reports in the Spanish press, the club is looking to reduce its wage bill and may be considering offloading the German international. So far, Barcelona have not publicly refuted these claims.

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann recently commented on the uncertainty, expressing his hope that the club would soon provide clarity on Ter Stegen’s position. “I hope the club gives him some information about what comes next,” he said — a statement that indirectly called on Barcelona manager Hansi Flick to address the situation.

Flick, who previously worked with Ter Stegen at national level, has not yet made any public remarks about his plans for the goalkeeper position, leaving speculation to grow around whether the club’s long-serving shot-stopper will remain at Camp Nou.

As things stand, Garcia’s signing signals a new chapter for Barcelona’s goalkeeping department — but whether it’s the beginning of a smooth transition or the start of a more complex reshuffle remains to be seen.