Spain manager maps out plan for key Barcelona ace ahead of March call up – report | OneFootball

Joan Garcia’s rise at Barcelona is now on the verge of being recognised at international level. 

According to information on Cadena COPE, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente is seriously considering calling up the Barcelona goalkeeper for the next FIFA window in March.

That international break will be a significant one for La Roja, as Spain are scheduled to play the Finalissima against Argentina, followed by a friendly against Egypt. 

De la Fuente sees this window as the right moment to bring Garcia into the senior setup, especially given the level he has shown recently.

Overlooked so far

The interest is not new. De la Fuente has been tracking Garcia’s progress for years and knows the goalkeeper well. 

However, with options like Unai Simon, David Raya and Alex Remiro already at his disposal, the Barcelona keeper has so far been overlooked.

Despite this development and Barcelona’s recent thrashing of Athletic Club, the hierarchy remains clear for now. 

Joan Garcia is making a strong case for himself. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

This means Unai Simon continues to be Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper, largely due to seniority and trust built over many years, while David Raya’s form at Arsenal has also strengthened Spain’s depth. 

With Garcia now starring for the La Liga leaders, De la Fuente feels fully covered in goal.

Things could change

Another factor working strongly in Garcia’s favour is his mentality. The coach knows that even if his involvement does not immediately translate into minutes on the pitch, he will be a positive presence within the group. 

He has already shown this attitude at the U21 level, where he supported the team even when not starting.

For now, Simon remains the reference point for La Roja, as he has delivered silverware at every level under De la Fuente, and there has been no sporting reason to displace him. 

Still, Garcia’s inclusion would mark a major milestone and a signal that Spain’s goalkeeping future could be changing in the coming months.