Atlético de Madrid had already identified Joan García as the natural heir to Jan Oblak, but now an unexpected competitor could jeopardize their plans: Barcelona. According to Mundo Deportivo, the blaugrana team is closely following the Espanyol goalkeeper, which is a real blow to the aspirations of the Rojiblanco club.
Joan García, on the Radar of Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid
Barcelona is looking to restructure its goalkeeping for the 2025-2026 season. With uncertainty surrounding Ter Stegen, the possible departure of Szczęsny, and doubts about Iñaki Peña, the Catalan club has been forced to explore options in the market. Among the names handled by the technical secretariat, Joan García stands out, who has been regularly monitored by the blaugrana club and has received positive reports.
However, he is not the only one interested. According to journalist Rubén Uría, Atlético de Madrid has been following the Espanyol goalkeeper for some time with the intention of making him the long-term replacement for Jan Oblak. The Rojiblanco sports management considers that Joan García has the ideal profile to take over the Metropolitano's goal, but the growing interest from FC Barcelona complicates the operation.
A Million-Dollar Operation for the Summer
Espanyol is aware of the great level their goalkeeper is showing and will not let him leave easily. His release clause is 30 million, a figure that rises to 35 million in the last 15 days of the market if the player is drafted with the Spanish National Team.
Last summer, Arsenal already tried to sign him with an offer of 20 million euros, but Espanyol rejected the proposal, demanding the payment of his clause. Now, with Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid in the fight, his exit price could remain high. However, Fran Garagarza himself, Espanyol's sporting director, has hinted that an offer close to the clause in fixed and variable terms could be accepted.
"If a club comes with eight million for Joan García, that is indeed a bad sale. But if the offer is good and approaches the clause, we can't say no."
The Future of Joan García, Between Atlético and Barcelona
Atlético still sees Joan García as the ideal replacement for Jan Oblak, whose future at the club is not secured in the long term. However, Barcelona has an urgent need to strengthen its goalkeeping and could move quickly to get ahead in the bidding.
With a contract until 2028, Espanyol holds the upper hand, but everything points to Joan García being a protagonist in the next market. Gil Marín and Joan Laporta are ready to wage a battle in the offices.