Barcelona Trigger Joan Garcia’s Release Clause

Barcelona have taken a big step toward reshaping their goalkeeping department by paying the €25 million release clause for Espanyol’s Joan Garcia. Multiple reports confirmed that the clause was triggered on Friday afternoon, and barring any last-minute hiccups, Garcia will become Barça’s first signing of the summer.

The 23-year-old keeper had already agreed personal terms with Barcelona, and now that the money has been deposited, all that’s left is the formal announcement. It might take a few more days, though — the move won’t be made official until Garcia returns from his vacation and signs the dotted line at the club’s offices. 

Although the club was initially delayed in completing the payment due to financial constraints, they’ve now unblocked the transaction, even considering a bank loan to get it over the line. Espanyol will receive the full amount in the next few hours without any negotiation, as Barcelona chose to go the direct route to wrap things up quickly. The sense from inside the club is calm — with the transfer window not opening officially until July 1 and pre-season not starting until mid-July, there’s no mad rush. 

Interestingly, the urgency reportedly came from Garcia himself. The young keeper wanted clarity on his future and asked Barcelona to accelerate the process — and they listened. Now, he's all set to sign a six-year deal and, if all goes to plan, take over as the new number one at Camp Nou. That raises some big questions about Marc-André ter Stegen’s future. According to multiple reports, Barcelona are expected to inform the German shot-stopper that he’s not part of their plans for the 2025/26 season. Wojciech Szczesny is also expected to extend his contract and serve as the backup to Garcia. 

The signing of Joan Garcia is a big win for a club who have had their fair share of financial troubles. But now, it looks like they are getting their act together. Garcia’s signing could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Barça, one built around a young, homegrown goalkeeper who’s ready to make the leap from Espanyol to the Camp Nou spotlight.  

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