Following a triumphant season in which Barcelona secured a domestic treble—winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup—the club approaches the summer transfer window with clear goals: solidifying its dominance in Spain and reclaiming its place among Europe’s elite.
Under the leadership of President Joan Laporta and new head coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona has zeroed in on signing a top-tier goalkeeper, seen as vital for the club’s aspirations in next season’s Champions League campaign.
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Espanyol’s standout goalkeeper Juan García has become a top target after an impressive season that saw many label him the best in La Liga. Barcelona views him as a long-term successor to Marc-André ter Stegen. However, their pursuit has hit a major obstacle—Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, has suddenly entered the race.
With current City goalkeeper Ederson reportedly considering offers from Saudi Arabian clubs, Guardiola is preparing for a potential replacement and has identified García as a perfect candidate—young, talented, and tactically suitable for City’s style of play.
Barcelona is ready to trigger García’s €25 million release clause but is still waiting on the player’s final decision. García is reportedly torn, aware of the high expectations and pressure that come with playing at Camp Nou.
Meanwhile, Manchester City has put forward a significantly more attractive financial package, along with better contractual assurances. Guardiola is keen on García’s agility, composure, and skill with the ball at his feet—traits that align with City’s playing philosophy—and sees his age (24) as a major asset for the club’s future.
Barcelona now faces the risk of losing one of its key summer targets to a last-minute intervention by Guardiola. While García is said to value sporting ambition over money, the opportunity to become a guaranteed starter at Manchester City, under one of the world’s top managers, is hard to ignore.
Coach Hansi Flick has personally reached out to assure García of his importance in the club’s long-term project, but acknowledges that Barcelona may struggle to match City’s financial strength or promises of immediate first-team action.
With both clubs pushing hard, a tense transfer showdown appears imminent—one that could reshape Barcelona’s plans for next season.
