‘Here we go’ - Fabrizio Romano confirms Barcelona swoop for £21m Newcastle United-linked star

The Espanyol goalkeeper emerged as a potential target for the Magpies in May, with Aston Villa also credited with an interest in the stopper. After helping Espanyol to stay in La Liga, it was heavily speculated that Garcia would leave the RCDE Stadium with Spanish media reporting that a move to England was on the cards.

Newcastle United were most strongly linked with his signature, but all the noise surrounding their interest came from Spain. Despite being fierce city rivals of Espanyol, Barcelona were also interested in Garcia and have swooped for his signature.

Barcelona completed a domestic double last season and were Champions League semi-finalists. As Hansi Flick looks to build on a youthful and exciting squad, Garcia is the man they have picked to challenge for a starting spot in goal.

Fabrizio Romano’s Joan Garcia update

Taking to X to provide an update on Garcia’s situation, Romano christened the deal with his three-word ‘here we go’ catchphrase, revealing that his move to the Camp Nou is expected to go through in the coming days and weeks. ‘BREAKING: Joan García to Barcelona, here we go! Documents are now in place with Spanish GK.’ Romano posted.

‘Release clause to be paid in the next days, could happen next week but all contracts are now ready. Joan García will sign a five year deal at Barça, all set.’

Barcelona will pay just north of £21m (€25m) to sign Garcia after triggering his release clause. Had Espanyol been relegated to the Segunda Division, it was reported that Garcia would have been even cheaper this summer, whilst a call-up to the Spanish national team, one that was not offered to the 24-year-old, would have seen that figure increase.

Newcastle United’s James Trafford pursuit

Whilst Garcia had briefly emerged as an option for the Magpies, their focus this summer remains on Burnley’s James Trafford. Trafford enjoyed a brilliant campaign with the Clarets last season and after coming very close to moving to St James’ Park last summer, it appears that 2025 may be the year he finally moves to the north east.

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Sky Sports reported on Tuesday that Newcastle are ‘in talks’ with Burnley over a move for the 22-year-old who is valued at £30m by his club. Trafford has most recently been away with the England national team, but is still waiting to be handed his first senior cap.

Speaking about a failed move twelve months ago, Trafford told Fozcast: “In the summer [2024], I wanted to move because the club I was close to going to was a good fit for me at the time.

“It was brilliant for me, I really believed in it and I really wanted the move. Not because I didn't want to play in the Championship, I had no shame or no ego to be like 'I'm better than Championship,' you only prove you're better than something by performing and showing people.

“It was just when the opportunity and a situation you believe suits you can happen, you should take it and you should go for it. So I wanted to move and it was close but it didn't end up happening.”

Your next Newcastle United read: Everything James Trafford has said as Sky Sports make major transfer claim