Report: Newcastle now ‘pushing hard’ to sign ‘outstanding’ star, meeting taking place this week

The race to secure Espanyol’s rising star Joan Garcia has intensified, with Newcastle United emerging as serious contenders for the highly-rated goalkeeper’s signature.

According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the Magpies are “pushing hard” to land the 24-year-old shot-stopper, though they face formidable competition from across Europe in what promises to be one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer sagas.

Garcia’s breakthrough La Liga campaign has transformed him from relative obscurity to one of Spain’s most coveted young goalkeepers. His impressive debut season saw him feature in all 38 league matches, conceding 51 goals while keeping eight clean sheets for a mid-table Espanyol side.

These numbers become even more impressive when considering he faced the fourth-highest number of shots in the division, demonstrating his shot-stopping prowess under consistent pressure.

Newcastle’s interest forms part of a strategic overhaul of their goalkeeping department as they prepare for Champions League football. The €25 million (£21 million) release clause in Garcia’s contract represents exceptional value in today’s inflated market for a player of his age and potential.

This fee would rank among Espanyol’s top three record sales, yet still prove considerably cheaper than alternatives like Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, who commands a €40 million price tag.

However, the path to securing Garcia’s services is far from straightforward. Barcelona currently lead the chase, with sporting director Deco and new manager Hansi Flick both reportedly enamored with the Catalan-born keeper’s distribution skills and commanding presence.

The emotional pull of joining his hometown club could prove decisive, though Garcia has shown admirable pragmatism by prioritizing guaranteed playing time over prestige – a stance that keeps Newcastle firmly in contention.

The Premier League offers no shortage of suitors either, with Arsenal and Aston Villa both monitoring the situation closely. Mikel Arteta’s side view Garcia as potential competition for David Raya, while Unai Emery’s Villa seek a long-term successor to Emiliano Martinez.

This English interest has created a fascinating subplot, with all three clubs able to offer European football but each presenting different sporting projects.

Garcia’s imminent meeting with agent Juanma Lopez will likely determine his next move. The goalkeeper’s camp has emphasized his desire for regular first-team football, which may complicate Barcelona’s pursuit given Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s entrenched position.

Newcastle could capitalize on this by offering a clearer pathway to becoming their long-term number one, especially with Nick Pope entering the latter stages of his career at 32.

From a tactical perspective, Garcia’s attributes align perfectly with Eddie Howe’s preferred style. His 74.3% pass accuracy and comfort in possession would facilitate Newcastle’s build-up play, while his 2.3 saves per game and 71.4% save percentage demonstrate reliable shot-stopping ability.

Standing at 6’3″, he also commands his penalty area effectively, claiming 2.1 high balls per match – a crucial trait for Premier League adaptation.

The potential acquisition forms part of Newcastle’s broader summer strategy targeting multiple key positions. GIVEMESPORT sources confirm the Magpies are prioritizing reinforcements at center-back, right wing, and striker alongside their goalkeeping search.

This measured approach reflects the club’s commitment to sustainable growth despite their newfound Champions League status, with Garcia representing exactly the profile of ambitious yet financially prudent signing they favor.

As the transfer window accelerates, Garcia’s decision will reveal much about Newcastle’s pulling power in Europe’s elite market. While they cannot compete with Barcelona’s historical allure, they offer a compelling project with regular European football and a clear development pathway.

For a goalkeeper entering his prime years, this combination of sporting ambition and career progression may ultimately prove more attractive than returning to Catalonia as a backup option.

One thing remains certain – Joan Garcia’s signature has become one of the summer’s most hotly contested prizes, and Newcastle United have positioned themselves as genuine players in this high-stakes transfer battle.

The coming days will determine whether their vision can outweigh the emotional pull of Barcelona and the lure of other Premier League suitors in this fascinating goalkeeping transfer saga.