Atlético de Madrid is still planning its future and, although the goalkeeper position isn't an urgency, it has Joan García, the young Espanyol goalkeeper, on its radar. The good news for the red-and-white team is that Barcelona, which had also been linked with the goalkeeper, doesn't seem to be in the race for his signing.
Joan García, a Goalkeeper with a Great Future Away from Barça
At 23 years old, Joan García has established himself as one of the great promises in Spanish goalkeeping. His great performance with Espanyol has attracted the interest of several top-level clubs, including Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, and Atlético de Madrid.
In Barça's case, Joan's name emerged as a possible reinforcement due to the uncertainty with Iñaki Peña and the situation of Ter Stegen, who is still recovering from an injury. However, journalist David Ibáñez has confirmed in ElDesmarque that the possibility of the Espanyol goalkeeper wearing the blue and red is practically impossible.
"I see it as very difficult because he is very much of Espanyol and Barça would be the last team he would go to," Ibáñez assured, dismissing any chance of the goalkeeper ending up there. He also highlighted that Joan García has offers from major European clubs, making his arrival at Barça even more unlikely.
Atlético de Madrid Closely Follows Joan García
Although Jan Oblak has regained his best form and Juan Musso has proven to be a reliable backup, Atlético de Madrid doesn't stop thinking about the future. The red-and-white club, which is already working on its planning for next summer, has Joan García on its list of players to watch.
According to Rubén Uría, Atlético's sporting director, Carlos Bucero, is very alert to the Espanyol goalkeeper. "He is a goalkeeper he loves," Uría revealed in El Club de Uría, assuring that the young goalkeeper is seen as a great option for the team's future.
At 32 years old, Oblak remains the reference under the posts, but Atlético seeks to rejuvenate its squad, and Joan García, at just 23 years old, fits perfectly into that plan.