Manchester United Move for Espanyol Goalkeeper as Rebuild Plans Accelerate | OneFootball

Manchester United Eye Joan Garcia as Part of Summer Rebuild

Manchester United’s director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is wasting no time in reshaping a squad that badly needs fresh energy and quality. According to Team Talk, Vivell has initiated talks to sign Espanyol’s talented goalkeeper Joan Garcia — a move that symbolises a summer of significant change at Old Trafford.

Rebuilding Old Trafford’s Foundations

After a truly wretched season, United are embarking on a major rebuild under new boss Rúben Amorim. As Team Talk report, Amorim is tasked with fusing together a group of players who can not only fit into his 3-4-2-1 system but also restore United’s presence among the Premier League elite.

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“And while salvation can still arrive in the Europa League, those at Old Trafford are painfully aware of just how far behind United have slipped off the pace on the domestic front.”

With that sobering reality in mind, the recruitment of Garcia could be a critical first piece. After one too many high-profile blunders this season, “it seems the writing is on the wall for Andre Onana.” Despite Onana’s insistence that he intends to see out his contract, competition for the gloves will now intensify.

“However, with Altay Bayindir expected to leave, United now plan to bring in far stronger competition that could ultimately crush Onana’s chances of retaining the gloves on a regular basis.”

Joan Garcia: Europe’s Rising Goalkeeping Star

Spanish outlet Cope revealed that Vivell has taken the first steps towards a deal by contacting Garcia’s agents. The move makes sense given Garcia’s stellar reputation across Europe. Standing at 6ft 3in, the Espanyol stopper ranks among the top five rated goalkeepers in Europe’s top leagues for players with 20 or more appearances, according to WhoScored.

“The phenomenal 6ft 3in stopper is considered one of the best young goalkeepers around and actually ranks in the top five rated goalkeepers in Europe’s top-five leagues this season to have made 20 appearances or more, according to WhoScored.”

United’s urgency is understandable. Garcia’s release clause stands at €25m (£21.3m), but will rise to €30m (£25.6m) in the final 15 days of the window — and could jump a further €5m (£4.2m) if he makes his senior Spain debut.

“Furthermore, United are keen to trigger his signing early this summer, having learned that the player has €25m (£21.3m, $28.4m) release clause, which will rise to €30m (£25.6m, $34.1m) for the last 15 days of the window, and it will increase by an additional €5m (£4.2m, $5.6m) were he to make his full international debut for Spain.”

Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza has confirmed they are open to a sale if the right offer is tabled, even as he stressed the player’s calmness amid transfer noise.

“There’s a lot of noise, but nothing is happening. There’s no firm movement like there was in the previous [summer] window. There may be movements because he’s a top-level goalkeeper, but we’re calm, and most importantly, the kid is very calm.”

High Expectations for Garcia

The comparisons being drawn between Garcia and legendary Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, courtesy of former Barcelona keeper Oier Olazabal, underline the level of expectation surrounding the 23-year-old.

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Garcia’s ascent has been rapid. After stepping in for the injured Fernando Pacheco in March 2024, Garcia kept eight clean sheets and conceded just seven goals across 14 Segunda Division matches. His heroics continued in the play-offs, where he added three more clean sheets and helped Espanyol secure promotion back to La Liga.

An Olympic gold medal with Spain capped a breakthrough year, even if Garcia was an unused substitute during the tournament.

Fran Garagarza’s admiration for Garcia extends beyond the pitch:

“We are dealing with a great goalkeeper, but we are also dealing with a great person. His behaviour, his poise, his harmony and his tone of voice… for me, he’s top 10. That’s what I’ll take from him.”

Broader Summer Plans at United

Vivell’s ambitions don’t stop at Garcia. As Team Talk report, United are pursuing a trio of early deals, hoping to bring in Matheus Cunha swiftly, with a move for a Serie A midfielder also progressing well.

Elsewhere, they are monitoring Cole Palmer’s situation at Chelsea, while Rasmus Højlund could yet be involved in a stunning swap deal.

It’s a summer that looks set to reshape the very identity of Manchester United under Amorim. Targeting Garcia shows the seriousness of the approach — strengthening from the back with a reliable, commanding goalkeeper who fits modern football’s demands.

Garcia’s ability to play out from the back and his reputation for commanding his box mirror the type of recruitment that top European clubs have prioritised in recent years.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Manchester United supporters are understandably expectant after hearing about Joan Garcia’s potential arrival. While fans have seen many big promises in the past, the pursuit of a highly-rated young goalkeeper like Garcia suggests a level of long-term planning that’s been sorely missing at Old Trafford.

The price tag feels reasonable considering Garcia’s sky-high potential. At just 23 years old, with comparisons to Iker Casillas and a burgeoning international career on the horizon, United would be investing in their future rather than another short-term fix.

Supporters will hope Garcia’s signing is just the start of a cohesive, structured rebuild under Amorim. There’s still a hint of scepticism, of course — fans have grown weary after years of chaotic transfer windows and mixed recruitment strategies.

Nevertheless, if Vivell can secure Garcia and back that move up with similarly intelligent purchases across the spine of the team, there’s a genuine reason for optimism that Manchester United can finally rise from the ashes of recent seasons.

The foundations must be laid carefully. Joan Garcia could be a cornerstone, not just another brick.