Barcelona Signs Goalkeeper Joan García Amid Fan Outrage

BARCELONA, Spain — FC Barcelona has reached an agreement with goalkeeper Joan García to join the team for the next five seasons. The 24-year-old player is switching from Espanyol, a move that has sparked outrage among fans of the rival club.

The deal is set to be confirmed soon, pending the payment of García’s €25 million release clause, which will be covered by Barcelona’s board under President Joan Laporta. Many Espanyol fans feel betrayed by García’s decision to leave after spending nine years with the club.

García, who joined Espanyol’s youth setup in 2016, has faced backlash from his hometown of Sallent, with offensive graffiti appearing targeting him. The goalkeeper has been a standout player for Espanyol, starting all 38 regular-season matches this year and achieving eight clean sheets.

Some supporters had hoped García would move to a Premier League club, as he had drawn interest from teams like Newcastle United and Arsenal. However, he ultimately chose Barcelona after discussions assured him he would be the starting goalkeeper ahead of the current players.

Comments from García during a recent interview suggested he was open to playing abroad. He stated, “All players want to play. I’ve been playing for a year and a half, and I want to continue.” This quote reinforced the belief among fans that he may leave Espanyol.

The reaction on social media has been intense, with numerous users expressing feelings of betrayal and disappointment. As graffiti has appeared in Sallent depicting him as a ‘traitor,’ local police are monitoring the situation and investigating the individuals responsible for the vandalism.

With García’s transfer expected to be finalized in the coming days, the incident has highlighted the passionate rivalries in Spanish football and how player movements can evoke strong emotions among fans.