García has been one of La Liga's most impressive goalkeepers statistically. Europa Press via Getty Images The big hitters in European soccer rarely, if ever, shop at Espanyol. It’s no slight on the Catalan club—fiercely proud and local as nearby colossus Barcelona takes on the world. Under coach Manolo González, Espanyol has just placed a reasonable 14th in La Liga. However, one of the main reasons for dodging demotion to the second tier by two points was not a potent offense or a watertight back four. Instead, the silhouette watching everything and intervening where necessary proved key: Joan García, the goalkeeper. As such, the 24-year-old boasts high-profile suitors as we move into the summer transfer window. Because getting cleaning sheets (where Espanyol ranked lowly) is a more collective effort, it makes better sense to look at individual performance metrics. García didn’t record the best shot-stopping percentage in Spain’s first division, but in terms of pure volume, he racked up the most saves (146), partly through having a lot of them to make in the first place. Another measure appears overly technical but is perhaps more helpful. According to FBref, the Spaniard had the highest PSxG-GA rating by far—an impressive 6.7. In human language, García should have let in way more goals than he did based on the supposed quality of strikes he faced. That, especially, indicates an excellent goalkeeper. It’s all the more impressive when you consider García was not a well-known name just a few months ago. Yet to play for another professional club, he came through Espanyol’s academy and, before 2024/25—where he played every league fixture—he’d only contested a smattering of minutes for the senior team. He was even second fiddle to Arnau Tenas when Spain’s men collected Olympic gold in 2024. So what’s next for Espanyol’s numero uno after a sensational campaign? Barcelona Or A Challenge Abroad For García? García, who says not all the noise surrounding his future is necessarily true, remains tight-lipped as he assesses his options (Catalan). “I’m very calm, and whatever the decision, I will think about it carefully with my people, picking the best option for me,” he said via Catalunya Ràdio on Tuesday. So far, reports have linked him to rivaling Barça, and it would be a tough pill to take for Espanyol fans should he go there. Meanwhile, Premier League teams Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United are seemingly interested. MORE FOR YOU If You Get This Message On Your Phone It’s An Attack Musk ‘Disappointed’ With Trump’s Spending Bill—Says It Undermines DOGE’s Work Google’s New Chrome Update—Do Not Ignore June 5 Deadline However, as Mundo Deportivo reported today, the word from Espanyol’s sporting director Fran Garagarza (Spanish) is there has been no concrete approach for García yet. Szczesny's career U-turn has proved a roaring success, but he's not the ideal long-term option in ... More goal for Barça. Europa Press via Getty Images Although well-stocked, Barça could do with a new face between the sticks. Swapping the calming beaches of Marbella for life in the fast lane again, Wojciech Szczęsny has performed well since ending his retirement to join the Blaugrana. Yet, even though Szczęsny may stay, he and Marc-André ter Stegen are well into their 30s, with Iñaki Peña the only current long-term replacement. As for English interest, Aston Villa is arguably most in need; Emiliano Martínez is probably leaving. Wherever the Spanish stopper goes, it should be for lots of money. García has a €25 million ($28 million) release clause, which is handy money for an entity like Espanyol, particularly given he would be on the market for €15 million ($17 million) had the club fallen out of the division. However, top-of-the-range goalkeepers can earn their employers points on the field and dollars from better league placings despite their position not being the most glamorous. García is debatably worth far more. Even so, his displays haven’t been enough to earn a place in Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente’s squad for the upcoming Nations League semifinals and maybe final. That’s hardly surprising, as he’s yet to earn a call-up to the seniors. Still, club trainer González knows he has an asset whom he’s afraid to lose. “I always say there are cracks (stars) in every team; there are Cristianos (Ronaldo) Messis (Lionel), and we count on one in goal,” González said back in February. “There’s always fear when there’s a release clause, which I would have paid. He’s a keeper with a young age and (good) footwork who thwarts aerial attacks and makes saves. National team? I would select him without doubt,” he added. The outlook is not too bleak for Espanyol. Its Chinese president, Chen Yansheng, targeted Champions League soccer within three years when the Rastar Group took control of the club in 2016. That has never come close to happening, but its main aim was to avoid relegation this season, which it narrowly achieved. García could become its third-highest sale after Borja Iglesias and Mario Hermoso, and supporters will hope the Parakeets use the €25 million ($28 million) well. Whoever spends the money on Garcia, one of the best goalkeepers, will hope this wasn’t a freak season and that he’s the real deal. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions