Barcelona could hand priority target a six-year contract until 2031 as agreement close | OneFootball

There have been some rapid developments with regard to FC Barcelona and their pursuit of Joan Garcia over the past few hours.

Having previously not been fully convinced about the transfer, the RCD Espanyol goalkeeper has changed his stance and is now closing in on an agreement over personal terms with the Blaugrana.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper is expected to give the full green light in the next few days at which point Barcelona will pay his €25 million release clause to get him on board.

Contract until 2031

Building on these developments, SPORT is now reporting that Barcelona sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta are optimistic that a final agreement can be reached soon to secure a long-term contract for Garcia.

The deal could tie the goalkeeper to Barcelona until 2031 – a length of commitment currently matched only by Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo, both of whom signed new deals this year.

Barcelona’s first summer signing? (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

It was previously suggested that Garcia could be offered a five-year deal but it appears that Barcelona intend to hand him a six-year deal tying him down to the club until he is 30.

An opportunity too good to miss out on

Barcelona view the deal as a rare market opportunity: a young, highly-rated goalkeeper with a relatively low buyout clause of €25 million.

Given the inflated market for promising goalkeepers, Barça have moved quickly to engage Garcia’s representatives and stay ahead of strong interest from the Premier League.

Initially, there were doubts within the player’s camp when Barcelona entered the race a few weeks ago.

Offers from the Premier League were more attractive financially and more appealing to his agents. However, Barça’s persistence has turned the tide in their favour.

Despite the financial strength of clubs like Newcastle United and Manchester City, Barcelona’s offer is seen by Garcia as the most compelling sporting option – both in terms of prestige and opportunity.