BREAKING: Barcelona to Trigger €25M Release Clause for Joan García – No Loan, First-Team Role Confirmed

FC Barcelona are set to make their first major move of the summer transfer window, as the club prepares to trigger the €25 million release clause for RCD Espanyol’s star goalkeeper Joan García, sources confirm.

The Catalan giants have reportedly made a firm internal decision to sign García next week, with plans to bring him straight into the first-team setup.

Contrary to earlier speculations, Barcelona will not loan him out. The 23-year-old is expected to compete directly for the starting spot under newly appointed head coach Hansi Flick.

✅ Barcelona Transfer News: Joan García Move Confirmed

🔹 Transfer Fee: €25 million release clause

🔹 Club: From Espanyol to FC Barcelona

🔹 Loan Move: Not considered – immediate first-team integration

🔹 Age: 23

🔹 Position: Goalkeeper

🔹 Barcelona’s Plan: Long-term backup and possible successor to Marc-André ter Stegen

Sources close to the club reveal that García is highly rated by Barça’s technical team, and with Ter Stegen recently recovering from injury concerns, the club sees García as a ready-made solution who aligns with their evolving goalkeeping philosophy.

🧤 Who is Joan García? Why Barcelona Want Him

Joan García Pons, born in 2002, is one of the most promising Spanish goalkeepers currently in European football. The 23-year-old was instrumental for Espanyol in the 2024/25 season, making over 35 appearances and recording 12 clean sheets.

Known for:

Excellent shot-stopping reflexes

Composure under pressure

Precise ball distribution — a vital trait for Barcelona’s build-up style

Leadership qualities uncommon for his age

He’s also on the radar of Spain’s national team selectors, and several clubs including Atlético Madrid and Real Betis were reportedly monitoring him.

⚠️ Why There’s No Loan Plan for García

Barcelona initially considered signing García and sending him out on loan for further development. However, that plan has now been scrapped.

The club’s internal analysis reportedly concluded that:

García is first-team ready

He fits Hansi Flick’s system of quick transitions from the back

Barça must start preparing for life after Ter Stegen

“No loan. Joan García will join the squad immediately and compete for game time,” a source confirmed to Catalan media.

🔍 What This Means for Barcelona’s Goalkeeping Department

García’s arrival signals a significant shift in Barcelona’s strategy — moving away from short-term stopgaps like Iñaki Peña or external veterans, and instead investing in long-term, La Masia-compatible talent.

It also offers the club financial flexibility. For just €25 million, Barcelona are acquiring a homegrown talent who could be a cornerstone for years to come — a smart move in an era of Financial Fair Play pressure.

June 7, 2025 | Sports Desk | BusterBlog.com