Newcastle close to early signing? – Bold claims from Spanish journalist on £21m man

Newcastle United appear to be wasting no time in making their mark on the summer transfer window, with reports surfacing just hours after the Premier League season concluded that a potential first signing could be secured before the week is out.

The club’s intent to reinforce the squad swiftly underlines manager Eddie Howe’s commitment to building a stronger, more competitive team ahead of next season.

One of the most talked-about developments involves a promising goalkeeper from La Liga, with speculation heating up that he may be heading to St James’ Park.

Spanish journalist Roberto Melendon has made bold claims suggesting Espanyol’s Joan Garcia has given the green light for a move to Newcastle.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper, who has been a crucial figure in helping Espanyol maintain their top-flight status, reportedly holds a €25 million (£21 million) release clause in his current contract.

Melendon, writing via social media, stated that Garcia has “approved” the switch to Tyneside and that negotiations between Newcastle and the player’s representatives are underway. If all goes according to plan, the transfer could become official in a matter of days.

This revelation aligns perfectly with previous reports indicating Newcastle want to move quickly in the market. Eddie Howe made it clear after the club’s final match of the season that he wants business done early, allowing new signings the full benefit of preseason integration.

Garcia’s availability has also attracted attention from high-profile clubs including Barcelona, Arsenal, and Aston Villa, making Newcastle’s progress in the deal even more notable.

Earlier suggestions hinted that Barcelona were keen to secure the Spaniard and potentially loan him out for a year before introducing him to Hansi Flick’s first-team plans. Newcastle’s decisive move could disrupt those intentions and secure a long-term option between the posts.

Garcia’s potential arrival also raises pressing questions about the current goalkeeping situation at Newcastle. Nick Pope, the incumbent number one, has been solid when fit, but injuries have interrupted his momentum.

The club has also been closely linked with a move for Burnley’s James Trafford, a young English keeper viewed as a future star. Trafford’s signing was expected to provide strong competition for Pope while gradually preparing him to take over as the long-term first choice.

If the club now pivots toward Garcia, it may signal a shift in their planning, possibly prioritizing a more immediate successor to Pope.

There’s also the tactical element to consider. Joan Garcia is renowned for his sharp reflexes, composure under pressure, and ability to play out from the back—a skillset that fits neatly into Howe’s preference for possession-based, progressive football.

These attributes may explain why Newcastle appear ready to invest significantly in him, even with Pope and potentially Trafford in the mix.

Garcia is not likely to accept a backup role, especially after establishing himself as a standout in Spain’s top division, so his arrival could change the pecking order completely.

While this deal is not yet finalized, it reflects Newcastle’s growing ambition and strategic outlook in the transfer market. The club’s hierarchy seems focused on building depth and competition across all positions, and goalkeeping is clearly a high priority.

With Champions League qualification just narrowly missed this season, the focus is now on assembling a squad that can push for consistent top-four finishes and deep runs in European competition.

Newcastle’s aggressive start to the transfer window suggests fans can expect more high-profile moves in the coming weeks. By targeting players like Garcia, the club signals its commitment to developing a young, dynamic team capable of challenging the Premier League’s elite.

Whether this specific deal goes through or not, it has already sparked speculation and excitement among supporters who are eager to see the Magpies strengthen their ranks.

To better understand the current goalkeeping scenario at Newcastle, here’s a comparative snapshot of the players involved:

Newcastle’s approach this summer is clear: invest early, invest wisely, and reshape the squad with talent that fits both the present ambition and future vision.

If Joan Garcia becomes the club’s first acquisition of the summer, it would not only send a strong message about their intent but also shake up the competition for the gloves ahead of a demanding 2025/26 campaign.