FC Barcelona has finalized the signing of goalkeeper Joan García from city rivals RCD Espanyol, activating his €25 million release clause. Completed on June 18, 2025, this deal marks the first direct senior transfer between the two clubs in three decades, bridging one of Spanish football’s most intense divides.
García, 24, arrives with standout credentials from the 2024/25 La Liga season. He led the league with 146 saves and prevented the highest number of expected goals, playing a pivotal role in Espanyol’s survival against relegation. His market value is now estimated at €45 million, nearly double the transfer fee.
The shot-stopper has signed a six-year contract running through June 30, 2031, and wears the number 13 jersey. García made his competitive debut on August 16, 2025, keeping a clean sheet in a 3-0 victory over Mallorca. His immediate impact helped secure Barcelona’s La Liga title in the 2025/26 season, establishing him as a cornerstone of the club’s future defensive strategy.