Manchester United have missed out on the signing of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, with a full agreement now in place for him to join Barcelona.
United’s goalkeeping department could be subjected to a radical overhaul this summer, amidst uncertainty over the futures of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir. Both players failed to impress in the 2024/25 campaign, making mistakes that dearly cost the team in games.
Onana has been mentioned to be on the radar of Saudi Pro League clubs, while a return to Turkey has been mooted for Bayindir.
One of the goalkeepers United have been linked to is Garcia, who enjoyed a fantastic campaign with Espanyol. He played a big role in Espanyol’s successful fight against relegation. He finished the season with the most saves in La Liga (146) and was subsequently awarded the Dani Jarque trophy which is presented to Espanyol’s best player.
With United, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Barcelona all circling, it was the Catalan giants who made the boldest move to secure Garcia’s signature.
A report covered by The Peoples Person late last month relayed that the Blaugrana were closing in on landing Garcia ahead of other interested parties.
There were suggestions that United were planning a late attempt to hijack Barcelona’s deal for the 24-year-old but this didn’t materialise.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that all arrangements are complete for Garcia to join the ranks at Camp Nou.
Romano wrote on X, ” Joan García to Barcelona, here we go! Documents are now in place with Spanish GK.”
“Release clause to be paid in the next days, could happen next week but all contracts are now ready.”
“Joan García will sign a five year deal at Barça, all set.”
🚨🔵🔴 BREAKING: Joan García to Barcelona, here we go! Documents are now in place with Spanish GK.
Release clause to be paid in the next days, could happen next week but all contracts are now ready.
Joan García will sign a five year deal at Barça, all set. pic.twitter.com/celkuAf5vS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 10, 2025
With their initial target no longer available, United must now shift focus if they intend to follow through on signing a new goalkeeper.
Featured image David Ramos via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
