Barcelona Seeks €25m Espanyol Goalkeeper García Amid Premier League Interest

Barcelona stands to gain nearly €50 million this summer from the transfers of former players and loanees, including Alex Valle, Jean-Claire Todibo, Oscar Mingueza, and Fransisco Trincao, due to clauses retaining percentages of future sales. Meanwhile, Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who has a €25 million release clause and played a key role in avoiding Espanyol's relegation, is attracting interest from several clubs including Barcelona, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid. Barcelona is reportedly working to secure Garcia's signing with plans to loan him out next season, as they currently rely on Marc-André ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczęsny as goalkeepers. However, Garcia reportedly prefers a move to the Premier League, aiming for regular first-team play rather than being a backup, which Espanyol's manager suggests makes a Barcelona move unlikely. Aston Villa's interest in Garcia is seen as concrete, potentially to replace Emi Martinez, whose future at Villa remains uncertain amid mixed signals from the club. The competition for Garcia's signature highlights the goalkeeper's rising profile and the strategic considerations of both Barcelona and Premier League clubs regarding their goalkeeping options.