The Joan García soap opera has been making headlines in recent days. The player has been on the radar of Europe’s top clubs for months, but everyone was waiting to see how he would finish the season with Espanyol. Until the last day of the season, Espanyol was in danger of being relegated, and if that had happened, the player’s release clause would have dropped to $15 million. However, the Barcelona-based team was saved by beating Las Palmas on the last day of the domestic competition, and his clause remains at $25 million.
Joan García remains tight-lipped about his future
After securing his place in the First Division, Joan was asked about the fans’ enthusiasm in the mixed zone. “It’s been incredible. From day one, I’ve felt the love from the fans. I’m very happy that they’re proud of me. For someone who’s been here since he was 15, to have them jump up and cheer you on is something I’ll never forget.” The topic everyone wanted to ask him about was his future and where he would be playing next season. The goalkeeper hinted at his departure from Espanyol. “Everyone knows the situation I’m in and the club is in. Whatever happens, I’ll leave proud to have left the team in the First Division.”
Joan García has many suitors
The goalkeeper has been one of the standouts this season in LaLiga, but his name has been in the spotlight because even when he was in the Second Division, he showed himself to be one of the best goalkeepers in Spanish soccer today with a great future ahead of him. His great performance has not gone unnoticed by several of the most important clubs in Europe. His €25 million price tag makes him very attractive to teams such as Real Madrid, who are looking for Courtois’ heir, Unai Emery and Monchi’s Aston Villa, and FC Barcelona, who are looking for a goalkeeper for the future or the present, depending on whether or not Szczesny’s renewal is resolved. Bournemouth and some Italian clubs have also shown interest.
Manchester City enters the scene
Of that list of teams, in England, Aston Villa is said to have already pulled out, and in Spain, Real Madrid is waiting in the wings but has not made any moves. That’s two fewer rivals for Barça, which knows that it will be difficult to compete financially, in addition to being the eternal rival of Joan García’s beloved team, Espanyol.
In the last few hours, a giant like Guardiola’s City has entered the equation. It is undoubtedly a strong rival, as the $25 million release clause would not be a problem for the Sky Blues, who currently have Brazilian Ederson, who is being targeted by Saudi Arabia, and Stefan Ortega. Both have contracts until 2026.
Summit with his agent
While waiting for definitive moves, Espanyol maintains a clear position: if Joan García leaves, it will be through the full payment of his clause. Joan García’s future will be decided in the coming days. COPE assured that there would be a resolution early next week. A conclusion that seems close, as the player had a meeting with his agent Juanma López at a restaurant in Barcelona on Thursday, as the agency itself shared on social media, sparking speculation.