Everything you need to know about goalkeeper Joan Garcia after brief links with Newcastle United.
Newcastle are expected to have money to spend in the summer transfer window after a fallow year due to PSR restrictions and Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen his squad in multiple areas.
A new goalkeeper is thought to be a top priority, with Burnley’s James Trafford set to be the new No.1.
Joan Garcia was also linked as a target but he instead joined Barcelona.
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Who is Joan Garcia?
Joan Garcia Pons is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Espanyol.
Born in Catalonia, Garcia was soon playing football for his local side and first picked up the gloves when he was just four years old. By the time he was 15, he joined Espanyol’s academy.
Garcia began knocking on the door of the first team when he was still a teenager, making his debut in a friendly, but would have to wait until 2020 before he made his first competitive appearance.
Yet, it wasn’t until midway through the 2023-24 campaign that he finally became first choice. Keeping 12 clean sheets in 21 games as Espanyol returned to La Liga via the Play-offs.
Garcia then won a gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics with Spain before playing every match in the 2024-25 season as his side finished a respectable 14th in the top flight.
He was named in the La Liga Team of the Season and won Save of the Month in February and March.
Joan Garcia to Newcastle United transfer rumours
Garcia’s strong form over the past season has led to several clubs being interested in signing him in the transfer window.
Newcastle, Arsenal and Aston Villa – who lost Emi Martinez – were all said to be in the race.
However, it was Barcelona who captured Garcia’s signature.
Mundo Deportivo reports Garcia is meeting with his agent towards the end of May to decide his future.
It’s added that the “sporting project” will take priority for Garcia, who only wants a permanent move to another club and rates himself to be any team’s No.1.
Newcastle reportedly want a new goalkeeper but are well-stocked in the position with five on the books.
One or maybe even two of Martin Dubravka, Nick Pope and – favourite to depart – Odysseas Vlachodimos might have to leave for a new signing to come in.
Joan Garcia release clause
It’s a legal requirement in Spanish football for every footballer to have a release clause in their contract and Garcia’s is reportedly set at £21m.
Eddie Howe on signing a new goalkeeper
Speaking to The Chronicle in May, Howe said on the prospect of signing a goalkeeper: “Oh you’ve jumped a few levels there.
“As I say I don’t go through the rumours so I have no idea we are linked with goalkeepers.
“I don’t think it is the right time to comment on that. We have some very good goalkeepers at the football club who have done brilliantly this year so I’d rather celebrate them.”
Joan Garcia age
Garcia was born on May 4, 2001, in Sallent, Spain. As of May 27, 2025, he is 24 years old.
Joan Garcia height
Garcia stands at an imposing 6’3″ tall.
Joan Garcia stats
Garcia’s career stats so far:
| Team | Games | Clean sheets | Goals conceded | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| Espanyol | 67 | 21 | 72 | 3 | 0 |
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