FC Barcelona has recently completed the signing of Joan Garcia from city rivals Espanyol, activating his €25 million release clause. This transfer marks a notable continuation of a historical trend, as Garcia becomes the sixth goalkeeper to move directly from Espanyol to the Blaugrana, adding his name to a list that includes some of Spanish football’s legendary figures.
A Rising Star: Joan Garcia’s Journey
Born in Sallent de Llobregat, Catalonia, Joan Garcia, 24, began his footballing career as an outfield player before transitioning to goalkeeping, following in his older brother’s footsteps. He joined Espanyol’s youth system at 15, progressing through their ranks and eventually establishing himself as their first-team goalkeeper.
His breakthrough came in the 2023/24 season, where he played a pivotal role in Espanyol’s successful campaign to secure promotion back to La Liga. He continued his impressive form in the 2024/25 La Liga season, where he led the league in saves with 146, second only to Brentford’s Mark Flekken across Europe’s top five leagues. His performances, coupled with his strong potential, attracted the attention of several top clubs, ultimately leading to his move to Barcelona. Garcia was also part of the Spanish U23 squad that won a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Historic Crossover: Keepers from Espanyol to Barça
Garcia’s transfer highlights a unique historical connection between the two Catalan clubs. While direct transfers between the rivals are relatively uncommon, especially in recent times, a significant number of goalkeepers have made the switch from Espanyol to Barcelona over the decades. Joan Garcia is the sixth to arrive directly from Espanyol, joining a distinguished list that includes:
- Romà Salvà : Joined Barça in 1905.
- LluĂs Bru: Arrived in 1913.
- Ramon Bruguera: Signed in 1920.
- Ricardo Zamora: Played for Espanyol from 1916-1919 before joining Barça from 1919-1922. Zamora is widely considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.
- Francisco Javier González Urruticoechea ‘Urruti’: Transferred from Espanyol in 1981 after playing for them from 1977-1981, and went on to become a Barcelona legend, staying until 1988.
Other goalkeepers who have represented both clubs at different points in their careers include Cristòfol Solà , Josep Valero, and more recently, Oier Olazábal.
Impact at Barcelona and Future Prospects
Joan Garcia’s arrival is seen as a strategic signing for Barcelona, bringing in a highly-rated goalkeeper with both immediate reliability and significant future potential. He is expected to compete for the number one spot with Marc-AndrĂ© ter Stegen and Iñaki Peña. His strong 2024/25 season statistics, including his high save count and impressive save percentage, suggest he is well-equipped to make an impact. The move also makes him the second most expensive goalkeeper signing in Barcelona’s history, after Neto Murara.
Garcia’s decision to join Barcelona, despite understanding potential backlash from Espanyol fans, underscores his belief in this “new chapter” for his career. With his proven ability and Olympic gold medal experience, he is poised to become a significant figure in Barcelona’s goalkeeping ranks for years to come.
