Espanyol goalkeeper and reported Manchester United goalkeeper target Joan Garcia is now one step closer to joining Barcelona after his representatives reached a “preliminary agreement” with the Catalan club.
United could sign a new goalkeeper in the upcoming summer transfer window, amidst doubts over the suitability of Andre Onana and his deputy, Altay Bayindir.
Onana and Bayindir have made several high-profile errors this season, and it’s become increasingly clear that they cannot be relied upon to guard the net for a team aiming to compete for trophies and top honours.
Onana continues to be linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, while there have been suggestions that Bayindir could also leave in an effort to secure regular playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
A number of goalkeepers have been mentioned to be on United’s radar including Lucas Chevalier (Lille), Senne Lamments (Royal Antwerp), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton and Hove Albion), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton) and of course, Garcia.
Garcia has been one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga this season and was crucial in Espanyol’s efforts to beat the drop.
He ended the season with the most saves in La Liga (146) and was subsequently awarded the Dani Jarque trophy, presented to Espanyol’s best player.
United are not the only party interested in the 24-year-old. Clubs like Arsenal, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Barcelona are also believed to be in the race to land his signature.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Garcia is not keen on a switch to Barca, with the Premier League his preferred transfer destination.
However, in a fresh update provided by Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, it appears a move to the Camp Nou is not completely off the cards.
Mundo Deportivo state about the United target, “A preliminary agreement has already been reached with the player’s agents, though the final choice will naturally rest with the goalkeeper himself.”
“The potential deal with Barça would span approximately five seasons and include a bonus clause if Garcia is capped by the national team, mirroring his current contract terms with Espanyol.”
Garcia is expected to make a final decision on his future between this Friday and Monday. Meanwhile, offers for the Spaniard, who has a €25m release clause, continue to stream in.
Featured image Alex Caparros 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!
