Joan Garcia, the 24-year-old goalkeeper from Espanyol, is really close to joining FC Barcelona — but he’s not ready to give his final answer just yet.
Even though he likes Barça’s offer, he wants to be 100% sure before saying “yes.” He plans to meet with his family and agents sometime this week — maybe even today — to talk everything through one last time.
Why He’s Hesitating
Garcia has a contract with Espanyol until 2028, but Barcelona is willing to pay his €25 million release clause to bring him to Camp Nou this summer.
Right now, Barça is the favorite to sign him, but Garcia wants a few things cleared up before making such a big move.
What’s the Problem?
Garcia is a bit unsure after hearing what Barça’s current goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, said last week. Ter Stegen told the media that he’s staying at Barcelona next season, no matter who else the club signs — and he still wants to be the number one goalkeeper.
That made Garcia pause. He wants to know if Barcelona really plans for him to start games or if he’ll just be sitting on the bench.
Garcia has been working hard to grow as a top player, and he wants to keep playing regularly — not just watch from the sidelines.
Registration Worries
There’s also another issue: whether Barcelona can officially register him with La Liga.
Because of financial problems, Barça had trouble registering players like Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor last season. Garcia doesn’t want to be stuck in that kind of situation. He wants to know for sure that he’ll be allowed to play right away if he signs.
Barça’s Response
Barcelona talked with Garcia’s team again on Monday night. They told him they believe in him and want him to be part of the team’s future.
They also said his La Liga registration will be a priority, and they’re offering a five-year contract to show they’re serious.
Final Decision Coming Soon
Now, all that’s left is the final meeting with his agents and family. Garcia wants to understand everything clearly before leaving Espanyol and joining one of the biggest clubs in the world.
He doesn’t want to take the risk unless he knows exactly what he’s walking into.
