LaLiga announces it: goodbye to Madrid and they've already received Barça's money for his signing

LaLiga confirmed to Espanyol on Monday that Barcelona has deposited the payment for Joan García's release clause. The goalkeeper's transfer is already underway and it's a matter of hours before it becomes official. The blaugrana club will be his new destination.

The amount rises to €26.3 million ($26.3 million), with the CPI adjustment included. Barcelona had issued the payment order last Friday. However, since it fell on a weekend, the transaction couldn't be validated until today.

Espanyol was notified by LaLiga of the pending deposit. Although it hasn't received the money in its accounts yet, it's already considered done. The next step will be for LaLiga to validate the documents and give final approval.

Rastar Group, owner of more than 99% of Espanyol's capital, has also reported the transaction. It did so this very morning through the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The Chinese company has confirmed that the release clause has been paid and that the player's departure will have a positive impact on the club's accounts.

Financial injection for Espanyol

According to the statement, the transfer will generate a net profit of at least €18.75 million ($18.75 million). That income will be used to improve liquidity and strengthen the finances of the perico club. It will be a vital injection after securing its place in Primera.

The blanquiazul entity will be able to use part of that capital to keep building a solid project that establishes itself in Primera. The operation not only means a sporting loss, but also a significant economic relief for Espanyol.

First signing for Hansi Flick

Barcelona and Joan García had already reached an agreement days ago. Only the activation of the clause was pending. The 23-year-old goalkeeper will be, barring any surprises, Hansi Flick's first signing for the 2025-26 season.

The German coach was looking to replace the departure of Iñaki Peña and the possible non-continuation of Szczęsny. Joan García fits the profile.

Trained in Espanyol's youth academy, Joan had established himself as one of the young goalkeepers with the most potential in LaLiga. His departure is a hard blow for the Catalan club, which loses one of its most valuable assets.

As soon as the payment is validated, Espanyol will no longer hold his rights. Barcelona will officially announce the signing in the coming hours.

With this move, Barça gets ahead of Real Madrid, which had also closely followed the young goalkeeper to replace a hypothetical departure of Lunin. Joan García is already preparing for a new challenge at Camp Nou.