“They say Newcastle” – Journalist says player on way to Premier League, Magpies signing predicted
The Premier League appears set to welcome another talented Spanish goalkeeper, with Newcastle United emerging as the frontrunners to secure Espanyol shot-stopper Joan García’s signature.
The 24-year-old has become one of Europe’s most sought-after goalkeeping prospects, attracting serious interest from several top clubs including Arsenal, Aston Villa, and even Barcelona.
Recent reports from Spain indicate García’s future will likely lie in England’s top flight, with Newcastle currently leading the chase. Esteemed journalist Quique Iglesias, who covers both Barcelona and Espanyol for Cope, delivered a telling update during his appearance on El Partidazo de Cope:
“He’s not going to play for Barca. Under no circumstances will he play for Barca. He’s going to sign for a Premier League team, in principle. They say Newcastle, but that will be resolved soon.”
García’s potential move to Tyneside represents more than just a simple transfer – it’s a carefully considered career decision by the young goalkeeper. Iglesias revealed the player’s thought process:
“He believes he has to make a decision that’s good for everyone and for everyone he cares about; Espanyol matters to him. He’s not going to Barca because he believes it’s not the time to go to Barcelona. It’s the time to play somewhere far from here, far from home.”
The talented keeper has a €25 million release clause in his current contract, a figure that appears increasingly reasonable for Premier League clubs in today’s inflated transfer market.
Newcastle’s willingness to meet this valuation demonstrates their serious intent to strengthen their goalkeeping options as they prepare for another season of European competition.
García’s potential arrival would add an intriguing dimension to Newcastle’s squad building. At 24, he represents both immediate competition for Nick Pope and a long-term solution between the posts.
His technical ability with the ball at his feet would suit Eddie Howe’s preferred style of play, while his shot-stopping prowess has been honed in the demanding environment of La Liga.
The move would also mark another step in Newcastle’s strategy of recruiting promising young talents from across Europe.
Following the successful acquisitions of players like Sven Botman and Alexander Isak, García could become the latest continental star to thrive at St James’ Park.
For Espanyol, losing their academy product would be a significant blow, but the €25 million windfall would provide valuable funds for their own squad rebuilding.
The Catalan club have become accustomed to developing and eventually selling top talents, with García potentially following in the footsteps of players like Pau López and Mario Hermoso who moved on to bigger clubs.
As the situation develops, all signs point to Newcastle securing their man in the coming days. The Magpies’ project, combined with the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League, appears to have won out over staying in Spain – even with Barcelona’s interest.
For García, this represents the perfect next step in his career – far enough from home to avoid controversy, but at a club with the ambition to match his own potential.