Regretful, Neither Szczęsny nor Ter Stegen, Deco Pays €30M to Sign the Best

The goalkeeping position at Barça has been subject to constant changes and speculations in recent seasons. Ter Stegen, the usual starter, is facing a serious injury that has kept him off the field, opening the door to alternatives. Wojciech Szczęsny, who came out of retirement to cover his absence, has left a good impression, but recent decisions point to a new direction.​

A patellar tendon injury has kept Ter Stegen out of action for almost the entire season. This situation has led the management, headed by Deco, to seek an experienced replacement in the figure of Szczęsny. The Pole, who had decided to retire, accepted the challenge of defending Barça's colors.

Deco Finds the Ideal Goalkeeper for €30M

Deco, Barça's sporting director, has been evaluating options to strengthen the goalkeeping position. Despite Szczęsny's great performances, his focus has shifted to another LaLiga talent: Joan García, goalkeeper of RCD Espanyol. His release clause, set at €30M, has been considered a bargain in the current market.

Joan García, born in Sallent in 2001, has had an upward trajectory in Spanish soccer. After training in Espanyol's youth categories, he debuted with the first team in 2021. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most outstanding goalkeepers in LaLiga.

In the 2024-2025 season, he leads the save statistics, with 93 interventions in 25 matches. His most memorable performance was a point-blank save against Girona, rated as the best of the season. A goal-saving defensive action that adds to the many he is achieving this season and that are saving RCD Espanyol.

His performance has not gone unnoticed, and his draft to the Spanish National Team is expected in the next international window. Teams like Arsenal have shown interest in his services, aware of his potential and projection.

Deco's Strategy: Investment for the Future

Deco is clear that Joan García represents the future of Barça's goalkeeping. Despite recent investments in Szczęsny and the recovery of Ter Stegen, he bets on a generational change.

The youth and talent of Joan García fit with the club's philosophy. It is expected that the management will activate the €30M clause next transfer market to secure his incorporation. However, it won't be easy, as RCD Espanyol is Barça's number one rival, so the "pericos" will try to complicate the negotiations as much as possible.