After more than a decade at the club, Barça may finally move on from the Ter Stegen era. The German goalkeeper has been criticized in recent years for his lack of reactivity as a shot-stopper. He’s struggled to return to his former self.
His injury forced the board to sign 35-year-old Wojciech Szczęsny, who imposed himself as the starter despite Ter Stegen’s return. The club are reportedly in talks with Espanyol’s Joan García, who’s been the sensation of the season. Though nothing is official yet, journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted the ‘Here We Go’ announcement.
🚨🗣️ – Pedri: “Joan Garcia will join the best team in the world. And I wish him the best.” pic.twitter.com/sUREWJZtgB
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) June 5, 2025
Goalkeeping has been a topic for Catalan fans for years. Many remember Ter Stegen’s shameful nights at Roma and Anfield, in addition to his struggles since his injury.
Previously famous for his shot-stopping, he’s slowed down and been more hesitant when coming out of his line. This is an issue for a team that plays expansive football, where a proactive goalkeeper is required. After several injuries and at the age of thirty-three, it’s clear Ter Stegen can not be that man.
Joan García’s Rise
It’s not the first time García has attracted attention from a top club. Last year, Arsenal approached Espanyol but couldn’t reach an agreement with the player. The case was closed, and he was never mentioned again. Or almost.
Most fans would agree that Joan has been La Liga’s best goalkeeper of the season, single-handedly keeping his club in the first division. That’s why he’s become the star of Cornellà, stopping all kinds of shots. At 24, there’s plenty of progress to be made for the young Catalan.
Joan Garcia – 2024/25.
Heroes & Villains. pic.twitter.com/ETD3aefL5g
— 🕊️ (@MagicalXavi) June 4, 2025
Espanyol have deployed a low block for most parts of the season, resulting in García usually facing long-range shots. With his 1.91m, he has the body to stop all kinds of shots, even those that would have landed in the top bin.
In a league that usually values ball-playing goalkeepers, it’s been refreshing to see an “old-school” player whose job relies primarily on stopping shots.
This would have made Joan a decent goalkeeper. But, it turns out he’s more complete than that, acting as a sweeper keeper, which became a decisive advantage for Espanyol’s defence. It also allowed him to impose himself as the team’s leader, guiding his side in tense situations.
No keeper made more saves in LALIGA than Joan Garcia last season. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/Swt3fKwsts
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) June 4, 2025
He usually keeps a calm composure, aware of his brilliance, which is why his Arsenal move didn’t work out: he requested the starter spot no matter what, which the club was not ready to offer with David Raya.
Instead, he could join Barcelona as a potential starter.
Barcelona need a proactive goalkeeper
Barcelona have always been a proactive team, but it was never more obvious than under Hansi Flick. The German coach revolutionized the team, implementing a risky high-line that relied on defenders jumping at their attackers.
One weakness has been the lack of a goalkeeper like young Manuel Neuer, who, unsurprisingly enough, has already played under Flick.
Not to compare, but García’s role could be similar. He’s not only a defensive anchor, but he also happens to be one of the smartest players.
🚨🔵🔴 Joan García will become new Barça player next week, plan confirmed.
Agreement done with the goalkeeper on five year deal, accepted last week + formal steps to follow.
Barça informed Joan that €25m release clause will be paid to Espanyol next week.
Here we go, soon 🏁 pic.twitter.com/FlmXhfHVY4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2025
Football has become increasingly complicated, demanding more from goalkeepers in possession. Joan is the type of player who carefully selects his passes, rarely playing without intent.
He is also patient enough to wait for a slow build-up, which could come in handy for Flick. Several voices from inside the club reportedly believed this was why Barça should be after a goalkeeper, convinced that this was the key to defeating Inter in the Champions League semi-finals.
Joan Garcia struggles between two rivals
García’s decision is not an easy one. He’s become a cult hero at Cornellà and kissed the club’s badge. Loyalty is rare nowadays, but he seemed headed for that path as he remembers his La Liga 2 times with the team.
Betraying his squad and leaving for a big club will not sit well with the fans. Even worse, he’ll sign for farsa, Espanyol’s worst enemy. This could be dangerous for his security, with Spanish fans famously lacking respect for their rivals.
Joan Garcia’s Technical-Tactical Profile – the Super-Man
First Part of his analysis. pic.twitter.com/xf0ggLAU02
— Roby (@RobyPoto) June 5, 2025
In spite of the media noise, Joan has remained calm. Asked about his future, he insisted that “this is the end of the season, I would first like to rest”, categorically refusing to open up about the situation. As the weeks progressed, he admitted he “could see himself playing for another team”, although no name was dropped.
Joan García wants to be the #1
Besides rivalry issues, one of the reasons Joan García may have struggled to cast his decision may have to do with his ambitions. He told Arsenal a year ago he demanded to be a starter, a condition that the Gunners refused. Although the competition is less, he has no assurance of becoming a de facto starter.
Ter Stegen made it clear to the media he is not going anywhere; despite the critics, he remains a veteran of the team, the only one left since the Anfield catastrophe.
‼️Barcelona need more than €10m in financial fair play space to register Joan García: €5m in transfer fee amortization, and around €6m for his gross salary.
With the departures completed, the club should already have enough space to register him.
— @sport pic.twitter.com/A3zBQzDtQy
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 5, 2025
Barcelona cannot have three starting goalkeepers; at least one will have to leave. ‘Tek’ will probably end up staying and renewing his contract, although he’s aware and okay with not being a starter.
Ter Stegen, however, might have to leave for the best of all parties. With the lack of competition throughout his career, this is unlikely to happen. He would rather send Joan away, which is a problem if he were to come.
Who needs to leave has become clear, but how the club will proceed in an attempt to satisfy all participants remains unclear. In any case, García’s transfer would finalize Barcelona’s transformation, moving on from the last survivor of the ‘old guard’, which includes the likes of Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto and Gerard Piqué.
