Spain coach praises Joan Garcia, Lamine; talks Nico Williams to Barcelona – ‘He will be a legend’ | OneFootball

Joan Garcia is the first signing FC Barcelona have officially announced this summer. Arriving from Espanyol, the standout goalkeeper of last season’s La Liga campaign joins the Catalan club for €25 million plus inflation, the amount set in his release clause.

That figure could have been higher, potentially reaching €30 million, had Garcia received a call-up to Spain’s senior national team during the season.

However, Luis de la Fuente did not include him, instead selecting Unai Simon, David Raya, and Alex Remiro for his latest squad.

De la Fuente on Joan Garcia, Lamine

Now, though, in an interview with MARCA (h/t SPORT), the national team coach has made it clear he has plans for Garcia going forward.

“He’s a great goalkeeper. I gave him a call-up to the U21s. Of course, he will come. We’ll see when the season starts what his situation is,” he said.

“But be careful, the best goalkeepers in the world are Spanish and they are in the national team. I say it very clearly: they are the best and we are very happy with them. And Joan will of course come to the national team when we think it’s convenient.”

During the interview, De la Fuente also touched on other key players, including Lamine Yamal – a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or in September alongside Ousmane Dembele.

Soon-to-be Barcelona teammates. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

“He is definitely growing at an impressive level. I repeat: he will be a legend. He undoubtedly has to improve in some aspects,” said the Spain head coach.

“We have to look after him, but he is growing a lot and he must be clear that his teammates at national team and club level are the ones who will help him to become a legend. He’s a sensational kid,” he further commented.

De la Fuente on Nico Williams

The coach also spoke about Nico Williams, who is expected to finally sign for Barcelona this summer, having reached a contract agreement with the club, who must now pay his €62 million release clause.

“Another genius. We’ll see what happens, it’s football stuff. But Nico is another player who will make history and become a legend,” De la Fuente noted.

“We are proud to have such young and good players. They also give us a lot of joy and I wish them all the luck, both personally and professionally,” he concluded.