First signing under Flick’s second project

FC Barcelona officially confirmed on Wednesday the signing of goalkeeper Joan García from city rivals Espanyol, in a transfer worth €26.34 million (25 million plus inflation adjustment). The 24-year-old shot-stopper signs a long-term contract until 2031.

This marks the first addition of the summer for head coach Hansi Flick, who led Barcelona to the LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup titles last season.

García will be unveiled at the club's offices on Friday and joins a goalkeeper unit that already includes Marc-André ter Stegen, Wojciech Szczęsny, and Iñaki Peña.

A standout in LaLiga 2024-25

Born in Sallent, near Barcelona, Joan García was one of the breakout performers of the 2024-25 LaLiga season. After youth spells at Sallent, Manresa, and Damm, he joined Espanyol at 15. He featured regularly for Spain’s youth national teams and helped win Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games.

Although he debuted for Espanyol’s first team in 2021, he didn’t secure a starting role until the 2023-24 season, which saw the club earn promotion to the top flight. This past campaign, he was among the top goalkeepers in Spain, leading the league in total saves (145) and goals prevented, according to advanced metrics.

His performances attracted interest from several top European clubs, but Barcelona moved swiftly to close the deal. The transfer has not been well received by Espanyol supporters, who are frustrated by the departure of one of their stars to their biggest local rival.