According to SPORT, Espanyol have made it absolutely clear that they will not entertain direct negotiations with Barcelona over goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
The Catalan rivals are at odds, and Espanyol have now laid down their stance in no uncertain terms that if Garcia chooses Barça, the only way the transfer will happen is through the payment of his €25 million release clause, plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment, directly to La Liga.
Despite no official word from Garcia or his agents yet, Espanyol are increasingly convinced that the 24-year-old goalkeeper will join their eternal rivals.
Internally, they have already begun preparing for his departure. The warning has been issued that if he is indeed Camp Nou-bound, there will be no calls, no compromise, and no courtesy negotiations between the two clubs.
Espanyol will not entertain Barcelona
Instead, Espanyol expect the player’s agents to head straight to La Liga’s headquarters and deposit the release clause amount.
It is a stance born out of frustration and rivalry, and a strong signal that Espanyol are unwilling to be part of any “friendly” dealings with Barcelona.
Interestingly, Espanyol had informed Garcia’s entourage that if they were negotiating with clubs outside Spain, they were willing to discuss structured payments, deadlines, or even sporting-related clauses.
But when it comes to Barcelona, the shutters are down.
Garcia is Barcelona-bound
Behind the scenes, Garcia and his representatives have reportedly been caught off guard by how quickly Barcelona acted. In the last few hours, the Blaugrana moved decisively, presenting a strong financial offer and laying out a clear sporting plan.
Reports suggest Barça outlined Garcia’s role in the squad in precise terms, suggesting he could be a starter next season, regardless of whether Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains at the club.
Espanyol, for their part, are eager to resolve the matter within days. The funds from Garcia’s release, estimated to be over €25 million, are vital for them to rebuild. That money will allow them to sign up to five or six players as part of their summer overhaul.
Barcauniversal.com
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