Barcelona Pays €25 Million Release Clause for Goalkeeper Joan Garcia

FC Barcelona has officially paid the €25 million release clause for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, making him their new signing pending a formal announcement and contract signing expected next week. Garcia has already agreed to a six-year contract with Barcelona, extending to 2031, and will join the team after his vacation on July 13th. The transfer marks a significant shake-up in Barcelona's goalkeeping department, with Garcia expected to become the club's starting goalkeeper, while Marc-André ter Stegen faces the prospect of leaving or accepting a backup role. The payment was made swiftly without negotiations with Espanyol, who will receive the funds shortly, helping them economically before the end of their financial year. Garcia, a highly regarded 24-year-old, had been the first-choice keeper for Espanyol last season and is also expected to feature for Spain's national team alongside other Barcelona talents. Barcelona's urgency to complete the deal was driven by Garcia's desire to finalize before going on vacation, reflecting the club's priority to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.