Manchester United are reportedly one of several European clubs interested in a move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
United could dip into the market for a new goalkeeper amidst doubts over the long-term future of n.o 1 Andre Onana. The Cameroonian has been poor over the past few weeks, making mistakes that have dearly cost United in matches.
Against Ipswich Town on Wednesday night, he made an ill-judged decision to come rushing off his line in an attempt to meet a Patrick Dorgu pass. Unbeknownst to Dorgu, Onana was left in no man’s land as the pass left him wrong-footed, allowing Jaden Philogene an easy tap-in.
With United 2-1, Onana was at fault again, this time allowing a speculative cross from Philogene to creep past him and into the back of the net.
He eventually settled but question marks remain over whether he’s the right man to carry United forward between the sticks.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that his future at Old Trafford is “hanging in the balance,” with some potential replacements being lined up.
According to Sport, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is of interest to the Red Devils, who have enquired about the possibility of signing him in the summer.
Garcia has played a crucial role for Espanyol this season in their bid to beat the drop. The side are currently 15th in La Liga with 27 points, just four above Valencia in 18th.
Their shot-stopper has kept four clean sheets in 25 appearances. He has let in 36 goals in that period.
Sport say about United’s pursuit of Garcia, ” In recent days the possibility of Manchester United has been raised, who have sounded out the option of signing the Espanyol goalkeeper.”
Ruben Amorim’s side are not the only party eyeing him. Arsenal, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are also keen on adding him to their ranks.
Sport note that a few weeks ago, Espanyol sporting director, Fran Garagarza, warned that they may be forced to sell him. He explained that they may even have to let him go for less than the value of his release clause, except if Barcelona come calling.
Espanyol do not want to sell to a rival team and if Barca approach them, they will not only ask for his full release clause to be paid, but they’ll demand the money upfront. A transfer to the Premier League is therefore seen as the most likely outcome.
Arsenal had a €20m for him rejected last summer. Espanyol referred the Gunners to his release clause, which currently stands at €25m but rises by €5m in the final 15 days of the window and will increase by an additional €5m if he is capped by Spain.
The North London club are expected to try again for Garcia. PSG are understood to be plotting a swoop for the 23-year-old but they’re yet to make their interest known to Espanyol.
CaughtOffside state that Manchester City are considering Garcia as a replacement for Ederson, who is increasingly likely to depart the Etihad when the season ends.
If he is indeed the goalkeeper they want, United should remain alive to the situation to ensure they’re not beaten to his signature.
As interest in him mounts, it appears whatever club offers him the clearest path to first-team football will win the race for him.
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!
