From Obscurity To Potential Barcelona Signing

The massive hitters in European soccer not often, if ever, store at Espanyol.

It’s no slight on the Catalan membership—fiercely proud and native as close by colossus Barcelona takes on the world. Underneath coach Manolo González, Espanyol has simply positioned an affordable 14th in La Liga. Nonetheless, one of many fundamental causes for dodging demotion to the second tier by two factors was not a potent offense or a watertight again 4. As a substitute, the silhouette watching every part and intervening the place obligatory proved key: Joan García, the goalkeeper.

As such, the 24-year-old boasts high-profile suitors as we transfer into the summer time switch window. As a result of getting cleansing sheets (the place Espanyol ranked lowly) is a extra collective effort, it makes higher sense to have a look at particular person efficiency metrics. García didn’t document the most effective shot-stopping proportion in Spain’s first division, however when it comes to pure quantity, he racked up essentially the most saves (146), partly by means of having loads of them to make within the first place.

One other measure seems overly technical however is probably extra useful. In line with FBref, the Spaniard had the very best PSxG-GA ranking by far—a formidable 6.7. In human language, García ought to have let in far more objectives than he did based mostly on the supposed high quality of strikes he confronted. That, particularly, signifies a superb goalkeeper.

It’s all of the extra spectacular when you think about García was not a widely known title only a few months in the past. But to play for an additional skilled membership, he got here by means of Espanyol’s academy and, earlier than 2024/25—the place he performed each league fixture—he’d solely contested a smattering of minutes for the senior workforce. He was even second fiddle to Arnau Tenas when Spain’s males collected Olympic gold in 2024.

So what’s subsequent for Espanyol’s numero uno after a sensational marketing campaign?

Barcelona Or A Problem Overseas For García?

García, who says not all of the noise surrounding his future is essentially true, stays tight-lipped as he assesses his choices (Catalan). “I’m very calm, and regardless of the determination, I’ll give it some thought rigorously with my folks, choosing the most suitable choice for me,” he mentioned by way of Catalunya Ràdio on Tuesday. To this point, experiences have linked him to rivaling Barça, and it might be a tricky tablet to take for Espanyol followers ought to he go there. In the meantime, Premier League groups Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United are seemingly .

Nonetheless, as Mundo Deportivo reported immediately, the phrase from Espanyol’s sporting director Fran Garagarza (Spanish) is there was no concrete strategy for García but.

Though well-stocked, Barça may do with a brand new face between the sticks. Swapping the calming seashores of Marbella for all times within the quick lane once more, Wojciech Szczęsny has carried out properly since ending his retirement to affix the Blaugrana. But, despite the fact that Szczęsny might keep, he and Marc-André ter Stegen are properly into their 30s, with Iñaki Peña the one present long-term alternative. As for English curiosity, Aston Villa is arguably most in want; Emiliano Martínez might be leaving.

Wherever the Spanish stopper goes, it ought to be for plenty of cash. García has a €25 million ($28 million) launch clause, which is helpful cash for an entity like Espanyol, significantly given he could be available on the market for €15 million ($17 million) had the membership fallen out of the division. Nonetheless, top-of-the-range goalkeepers can earn their employers factors on the sector and {dollars} from higher league placings regardless of their place not being essentially the most glamorous. García is debatably value way more.

Even so, his shows haven’t been sufficient to earn a spot in Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente’s squad for the upcoming Nations League semifinals and perhaps closing. That’s hardly stunning, as he’s but to earn a call-up to the seniors. Nonetheless, membership coach González is aware of he has an asset whom he’s afraid to lose.

“I all the time say there are cracks (stars) in each workforce; there are Cristianos (Ronaldo) Messis (Lionel), and we depend on one in aim,” González mentioned again in February. “There’s all the time concern when there’s a launch clause, which I might have paid. He’s a keeper with a younger age and (good) footwork who thwarts aerial assaults and makes saves. Nationwide workforce? I would choose him no doubt,” he added.

The outlook just isn’t too bleak for Espanyol. Its Chinese language president, Chen Yansheng, focused Champions League soccer inside three years when the Rastar Group took management of the membership in 2016. That has by no means come near taking place, however its fundamental purpose was to keep away from relegation this season, which it narrowly achieved. García may change into its third-highest sale after Borja Iglesias and Mario Hermoso, and supporters will hope the Parakeets use the €25 million ($28 million) properly.

Whoever spends the cash on Garcia, among the best goalkeepers, will hope this wasn’t a freak season and that he’s the actual deal.