Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, beating out competition from Arsenal and Barcelona. The 24-year-old shot-stopper has been a standout performer for the La Liga side this season, helping them secure their top-flight status after promotion last year.
Garcia has attracted interest from several top European clubs due to his £25 million release clause, making him an affordable option for teams in need of a reliable goalkeeper. While Arsenal and Barcelona were previously considered frontrunners, recent reports suggest Newcastle have now taken the lead in negotiations.
Why Newcastle?
Arsenal had been linked with Garcia as a potential backup to David Raya, while Barcelona viewed him as a long-term successor to Marc-André ter Stegen. However, Garcia is reportedly unwilling to settle for a secondary role, making Newcastle—who can offer him a starting position—a more appealing destination.
Journalist Quique Iglesias of Cadena COPE claims Garcia is “very likely to sign for Newcastle in the coming days.” He also revealed that the Spaniard’s loyalty to Espanyol (Barcelona’s local rivals) and Ter Stegen’s presence at Camp Nou played a part in his decision to reject the Catalan giants.
“He’s not going to play at Barça. Under no circumstances is he going to play at Barça,” Iglesias stated.
Garcia’s Future Plans
When recently asked about his future, Garcia remained non-committal but hinted at a possible move:
“I’m very calm. Many things are coming up, and I want to rest now. These decisions don’t depend solely on me. If an offer that suits both Espanyol and me arrives, we’ll see.”
Newcastle have also been linked with Burnley’s James Trafford, but Garcia appears to be their top target. If completed, this signing would mark another ambitious move by the Magpies as they continue to strengthen their squad under Eddie Howe.
With the deal reportedly nearing completion, Newcastle fans could soon welcome their new first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the 2025/26 season.
