Joan Garcia poised for Barcelona switch as release clause is met

What began as a rumour has gradually gained traction, and the deal now appears on the verge of completion. Joan Garcia is poised to strengthen Barcelona's goalkeeping department ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Despite recent reports suggesting the Espanyol goalkeeper had yet to make a decision amid numerous offers—many from abroad—it appears Barcelona have accelerated negotiations to secure the stopper.

As reported by Sport, the Catalan giants have struck a preliminary agreement with Joan Garcia, who is set to sign a five-year deal..

The report indicates that the club, under Joan Laporta's presidency, will pay the €25 million release clause during the second week of June, with no negotiations held with Espanyol.

Furthermore, the report claims that Joan Garcia will arrive to compete immediately for the starting goalkeeper position, and the possibility of a loan move during his first season has been completely ruled out.

This development leaves Marc-Andre ter Stegen's future at Barcelona in serious doubt, with the club seemingly set to rely on a new goalkeeping partnership of Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny, whose contract renewal is expected to be confirmed shortly.