Barcelona have wrapped up their first summer signing via a deal to land goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Catalan rivals Espanyol.
The 24-year-old Spaniard was one of the best keepers in La Liga last season and Barcelona seized the opportunity to secure his services.
La Blaugrana are facing renewed uncertainty in their No.1 spot, with captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s edging back to full fitness following injury, and Wojciech Szczesny considering a contract extension.
Landing a young, talented goalkeeper was crucial, and that’s mission accomplished with Garcia, who shone as Espanyol escaped relegation in May.
Following the signing, Barcelona sporting director Deco told an interview with La Vanguardia [via Mundo Deportivo) why Barca were not in the market for a new keeper, but they grabbed the opportunity on Garcia.
“A goalkeeper was not a priority, but we saw an opportunity in the market, for the present and the future. There are not many young players at his level. We did not speak to Joan before the end of the league. We spoke to his agent, telling him if the player was open to joining Barcelona, we would like to talk to him, and explain the idea.”
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Deco gave an example of the goalkeeper situation at Liverpool, in discussing the future of Barcelona’s options in Ter Stegen and Szczesny, and the implication of Garcia joining the setup.
“I give a simple example. Liverpool have a goalkeeper in Alisson, aged 32, and they signed one of the best in La Liga, Mamardashvili, at 24. If you have players who are 32-33, you have to try to make a future forecast.”
Deco update Ter Stegen’s departure at Barcelona
Ter Stegen is on the wrong side of 30, and his performance level has declined in recent years. His long-term place in Hansi Flick’s plans was unclear before the club’s call to bring in Garcia.
When asked about Ter Stegen’s situation, Deco was on the defensive over the player’s future. He wants to keep his options open for Ter Stegen to stay at the Camp Nou and hinted Garcia needs to prove his worth.
“I don’t have to talk to Ter Stegen. My obligation is to make the best possible team for the coach. This is not my business. There’s no contract which states you are going to play. The coach makes that decision.
“We made a decision to sign a young goalkeeper, which means he can play tomorrow or be on the bench, or play in one or two years’ time. We have expectations with Joan that have to be fulfilled.
“Everyone who enters here starts from scratch, no one arrives with an advantage over others. I have great respect for Marc, but with Joan we had to make a decision for the present and the future. The coach will have decide.”
All things considered, Ter Stegen has dropped down the pecking order at Barcelona and with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the German may leave Catalonia in search of regular game time.
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