According to La Vanguardia via Sport Witness, Newcastle United were keen on signing Joan Garcia but their offer couldn’t convince the Spanish goalkeeper. As a result, he chose to sign for Barcelona instead, who had a more compelling offer and project on the table.
Garcia came up the ranks at Espanyol and was promoted to their first team in the summer of 2021. While he made the step up early, the 24-year-old had to work hard to establish himself as a regular.
He enjoyed an extended run in the team in the second half of the 2023/24 season, playing a key role in Espanyol’s promotion to the Spanish top flight.
He then went on to help Spain win Olympic gold, before further enhancing his reputation with an impressive campaign in La Liga. His performances resulted in interest from clubs across Europe.
Multiple English clubs were keen on signing him but they failed to convince the 24-year-old, who is set to join Barcelona. The Catalan giants are set to make an official announcement in the near future as their president Joan Laporta has signed the order to activate his €25 million release clause.
The money involved is expected to arrive at La Liga’s offices by Monday, bringing an end to Garcia’s transfer saga. Before he gave the green light to Barcelona, Newcastle United made some serious attempts to sign the Spanish goalkeeper.
The Magpies are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper for the long run and Garcia was quite high on their wishlist. While they did present an offer to try and lure him, the offer wasn’t convincing enough for the player unlike the one put forward by Barcelona.
As a result, he chose to join the Catalan giants after meeting with the director of football Deco. His decision was driven by three main factors: the opportunity to stay in the city where his family is settled, the international exposure Barcelona offers, and a lack of conviction in the proposals from Premier League clubs.
The Magpies are still on the lookout for a new goalkeeper and they will have to shift their focus towards other targets as Garcia will soon be announced a new Barcelona player.
