Barcelona activates Joan Garcia’s release clause signs with Espanyol goalkeeper on Friday

Barcelona have confirmed that they have activated Joan Garcia’s release terms and will sign the goalkeeper of cross-city rival Espanyol.

The 24-year-old has chosen to leave the club for the past nine years and will join the Spanish champions with €25 million.

Garcia is expected to be the first choice under Hansi Flick, while Wojciech Szczesny offers the opportunity to stay in his second place.

FC Barcelona logo Joan Garcia

– Football Club Barcelona (@fcbarcelona) June 18, 2025

If Pole signs a new year contract, it will put Marc-Andre Ten Stegen in a stumbling position and may move on, especially as he hopes to consolidate his position with the German side before next summer’s World Cup.

I have everything for Espanyol

Garcia will sign a six-year contract with Barca on Friday and posted an emotional farewell to Espanyol fans on social media this morning.

He said: “It’s time to go our way. It’s my turn to say goodbye to the club today, which is my club that I’ve been my family since I was 15. During all this time, I’ve tried to grow as a football player and a person every day and always be proud of humility, hard work, hard work and defending Espanyol’s goal.

“I have provided the team with everything I have inside me to represent this badge in the way of giving the greatest dedication and live up to the meaning of wearing this shirt. I know, this decision is not easy to understand. I am not asking you to do it. But I hope you know it was a very considerate decision, not only for my career, but for my club, the best for my family and my family and my family.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, all the coaches, teammates, staff and everyone who belongs to the daily life of the club.”