Newcastle United Unlikely To Beat Barcelona To Joan Garcia Signing

Newcastle United wants to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, but it is not likely to be Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, with Burnley’s James Trafford the top target.

Reports in Spain have suggested Garcia, 24, is close to moving to Tyneside after the club clinched Champions League qualification last week. But other Premier League clubs are also interested, including Aston Villa, while Espanyol’s city rivals Barcelona is also in the chase.

Garcia has a £25m ($34m) release clause in his contract and is almost certain to leave this summer. Had Espanyol been relegated from La Liga, as was possible last weekend, the clause would have halved, but victory over Las Palmas ensured that didn’t happen.

Barcelona is the preferred destination of Garcia’s representatives, with his main focus securing a place in Spain’s squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. But the possibility of a move to England remains on the table.

While Espanyol would prefer he not join its most fierce rival, that looks to be the most likely end to the saga. Should he move to the Blaugrana, a possible loan stint has been suggested, with Wojciech Szczesny playing most of this season and Marc Andre ter-Stegen soon to return from a long-term injury.

Valencia has been mentioned internally as a potential destination, with Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvilli set to join Liverpool after completing a move last summer.

Newcastle United in James Trafford chase

As for Newcastle, Garcia is admired but Trafford will most likely be its target of choice. Interest in a deal led to bids for the 22-year-old last summer, but nothing could be agreed.

The England international helped the Clarets gain promotion to the Premier League last season with 30 clean sheets in 45 matches. Newcastle has kept watching him and will likely return with another attempt to secure his services this summer. The Clarets are said to value him at £30m ($40m).

Coach Eddie Howe is the driving force behind the Trafford interest and is expected to have a bugger role within recruitment after sporting director Paul Mitchell announced he will leave at te end of June this week. Howe is keen to add a goalkeeper who is strong with the ball at his feet, a notable weakness for current number one Nick Pope.