Barcelona have completed the signing of goalkeeper Joan Garcia from city rivals Espanyol after activating his €25 million (£21.3 million) release clause.
The 24-year-old will officially join the Spanish champions on Friday, signing a six-year contract at Camp Nou.
Garcia had attracted interest from Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United, but chose to remain in Spain to continue his development.
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Since making his debut for Espanyol in 2021, Garcia has made 67 appearances and was instrumental in their promotion to La Liga in the 2023–24 season. He also played a key role in keeping them in the top flight last season, leading the league with 146 saves.
Though he has yet to earn a senior cap for Spain, Garcia has featured at various youth levels and was part of the Olympic squad that won gold in Paris last summer.
Barcelona are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping options and provide cover for Marc-André ter Stegen, who missed much of last season due to a ruptured patella tendon. Veteran keeper Wojciech Szczęsny stepped in on a short-term deal, making 30 appearances and helping Barça clinch the La Liga title. However, his contract expires at the end of June.
