Valencia in talks with Barcelona over loan deal for €25 million-rated potential new recruit | OneFootball

According to journalist Nacho Sanchis, Valencia have been in talks with Barcelona for over a month, preparing a potential loan deal for Joan Garcia should the Catalans seal his signing this summer.

The 24-year-old has long been on Barcelona’s radar, and multiple reports suggest that the club has already reached a verbal agreement in principle with the player.

The plan? Trigger his €25 million release clause, which could rise to €30 million if Spain manager Luis de la Fuente calls Garcia up to the senior national team in the coming weeks.

What is Barcelona’s strategy?

Barcelona’s interest is not just opportunistic, but it is strategic. With Marc-Andre ter Stegen still occupying the No. 1 spot, Garcia is being brought in as part of a long-term vision.

However, due to ongoing salary cap restrictions and the club’s short-term goalkeeping hierarchy, the most likely scenario is that Garcia will not be registered immediately and instead be loaned out for regular minutes.

Barcelona are interested in Joan Garcia. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

That is where Valencia come in, as they are actively pursuing a loan deal that would benefit all parties.

For Garcia, it is a chance to play consistently at a high level. And for Barcelona, it’s the perfect bridge year to allow the player to grow before potentially taking over at Camp Nou.

Then why move now?

Barcelona’s decision to act now stems from two key factors: the affordable release clause and the need to plan for life after Ter Stegen.

Despite the German’s presence, the club is aware that succession planning is essential, and they see Garcia as a goalkeeper with the potential to lead the position for years to come.

In the meantime, Garcia’s situation is being monitored closely. While Espanyol would prefer to keep him, they are powerless if Barcelona pay the release clause.

Barça’s top brass are confident that this move secures them one of the best domestic talents available, at a reasonable price, before his value increases further.