Espanyol’s Joan Garcia on Barcelona’s radar as doubts grow over Ter Stegen and Szczesny’s futures
In a development that few saw coming, Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a move for Espanyol’s standout shot-stopper Joan Garcia, raising eyebrows across La Liga and beyond. With Marc-André ter Stegen still the club captain and Wojciech Szczesny currently providing experienced cover, the decision to chase a third top-tier goalkeeper signals deeper concerns brewing at Camp Nou.
According to AS, the Catalan giants are actively exploring their options for next season, with Garcia emerging as a top target. The 23-year-old has quietly established himself as one of the finest goalkeepers in Spain this season, topping multiple performance charts. And now, his exploits between the sticks have not only won him admirers at Barcelona, but also sparked Premier League interest from clubs like Arsenal and Aston Villa.
The statistics don’t lie: Garcia’s breakout season
Joan Garcia’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. While Espanyol might not be competing at the top of the table, their young keeper has shone through, posting the best save percentage and highest number of saves per 90 minutes across La Liga this season.
At just 23, Garcia’s calm presence, lightning-quick reflexes, and consistent shot-stopping ability have elevated him to one of the most in-demand young keepers in Europe. His performances have been so commanding that Barcelona are reportedly preparing to strike before the competition intensifies over the summer.
For a club known for its commitment to long-term planning, this could be more than a case of future-proofing. It might be a necessary step, given the looming question marks surrounding their current custodians.
Ter Stegen’s return casts shadow over his long-term future
Marc-André ter Stegen has been a key figure for Barcelona since arriving from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014. He’s won everything there is to win domestically and played a pivotal role during some of the club’s most successful modern campaigns.
However, the German international recently turned 33 and is coming off a significant injury setback—a ruptured knee tendon sustained back in September. Though he’s returned to full fitness and played the full 90 minutes in a recent 2-1 win over Valladolid, there’s a quiet sense within the club that his best days might be behind him.
The injury, combined with some uncharacteristic dips in form even prior to it, has reportedly prompted doubts about whether Ter Stegen can still operate at the very highest level week in, week out. It’s not an easy conversation to have about your club captain, but it’s one Barcelona are clearly beginning to confront.
Szczesny’s future hanging in the balance
While Ter Stegen was sidelined, Barcelona made the somewhat unconventional move to bring Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement to temporarily fill the gap. The Polish veteran didn’t disappoint—his experience and leadership were invaluable in navigating a tricky spell.
Yet his future is anything but certain. In a recent interview with SPORT, Szczesny confirmed that the club has offered him a two-year contract extension, but also made it clear that he’s far from ready to commit.
“I will not hide that I have an offer to continue at Barcelona for two more years. They have already presented it to me, but I have asked for time,” Szczesny said. “I need to decide with my family what is best for all of us. My wife will be the one to make the decision, whether we stay or go to Marbella to play golf.”
It was a typically candid, slightly humorous answer from a player who’s never shied away from honesty. But behind the jokes, it’s clear that Szczesny is genuinely weighing up whether he has the hunger for another season or two at the top level—or whether it’s time to hang up the gloves for good.
Garcia as the natural successor?
With Ter Stegen aging and Szczesny uncertain, Joan Garcia could represent the ideal solution. Young, hungry, and already showing elite-level performance metrics, he would not only fill a looming gap, but do so with the kind of long-term potential that fits Barcelona’s evolving strategy under the current sporting project.
Reports suggest Arsenal had made a move for him last summer, while Aston Villa’s Monchi has openly admitted the Midlands club’s interest. But Barcelona could have the inside track. Garcia, born in Catalonia and currently playing just a few miles from Camp Nou, might be tempted by the prospect of staying close to home while stepping up to one of Europe’s biggest stages.
Title race nearly wrapped as transfer talks brew
Off the pitch, transfer speculation is heating up. But on the pitch, Barcelona are closing in on the Liga title. Following a dramatic 4-3 Clasico win over Real Madrid, the Blaugrana find themselves seven points clear at the summit. A single win will seal it—possibly as early as Thursday night when they travel across town to face Espanyol.
In fact, they may not even need to take the field. Should Real Madrid fail to beat Mallorca on May 14, the title will belong to Barcelona before a ball is kicked in the derby.
That would allow the club to shift full focus onto summer preparations, including the goalkeeping situation. With Xavi continuing to put his faith in youth and energy, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the club act quickly on Garcia. Timing is everything in the transfer market, and Barcelona know that waiting too long could see them miss out to wealthier or more decisive rivals.
What comes next?
If Szczesny decides to retire or move on, and if Barcelona truly have concerns about Ter Stegen’s long-term viability, then signing Joan Garcia becomes more than just an option—it becomes a necessity. For now, all parties remain coy. But as the title edges closer to being wrapped up, expect Barcelona’s summer planning to intensify.
This isn’t just about building for next season. It’s about shaping the post-Ter Stegen era. And in Joan Garcia, Barcelona might just see a new No.1 who can carry the torch for years to come.
