Real Madrid Confidencial Espanyol stays in La Liga and complicates a Real Madrid signing
Joan García has been one of the architects of keeping Espanyol in the First Division, and that causes his clause to remain at 30 million
Espanyol has achieved permanence in the First Division. That news has more consequences than it seems, especially for Real Madrid.
The big loser from this salvation could be the white club. The reason: Joan García, Espanyol's goalkeeper, will continue to have a 30 million euro clause, and his departure becomes complicated.
A goalkeeper that is liked at Bernabéu
Real Madrid has been closely following Joan García for months. The young Catalan goalkeeper (born in 2001) has had a great season. His performances have been key in the salvation of the perico team, especially in the most important matches of the season.
Joan was one of the preferred alternatives in case Andrey Lunin leaves, who could leave the club this summer. However, his current price doesn't convince in Valdebebas.
The goalkeeper's clause would have dropped to 15 million if Espanyol had been relegated. But with the permanence, the price keeps at 30 million, a figure that Madrid is not willing to pay for a substitute.
Joan wants to grow... but wisely
After the agonizing victory against Las Palmas, Joan himself spoke on the microphones of TV3 and DAZN:
"Everyone knows the club's situation and mine, but I was focused on achieving permanence. Whatever happens, I leave proud of keeping the team in the First Division."
The goalkeeper doesn't close the door to a departure, but now he knows that Espanyol can demand more money for his transfer.
Additionally, the Catalan club gains economic breathing room after staying in LaLiga, so they are not forced to sell cheaply.
Interest from major European clubs
Joan García is also on the agenda of Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle, or Aston Villa, where Unai Emery wants him as a reinforcement for Europe.
In Spain, Barcelona also considers his signing in the medium term, although it will depend on the future of Ter Stegen and possible moves with other goalkeepers like Szczesny.
For now, Real Madrid doesn't completely withdraw from the race, but the operation has cooled down. Espanyol's continuity in the First Division has completely changed the landscape.
Joan García, further from Bernabéu... at least for now.
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