The new Blaugrana in Catalunya: Joan Garcia hoping to make an impressive start to his new chapter

Joan Garcia has signed a six-year deal, keeping him at Barcelona until 2031. (Image credits - FMT, License Details) 

FC Barcelona have finally announced their first signing of the season, having secured the signature of Joan Garcia from rivals Espanyol by activating his €25m release clause. The 24-year-old shot stopper has signed a six-year deal, which will keep him at the club until 2031.

The new ‘Culer’ was present at the main offices of the Spotify Camp Nou to officially put pen to paper and was joined by his family and representatives.

The Catalan giants were eager to get him on board as he was statistically the best goalkeeper in La Liga last season, single-handedly saving Espanyol from relegation. He made a staggering 146 saves last season in the league, which was the most by any keeper in the Spanish top division. 

Garcia is hoping to complete his medical tests soon and make his debut in Barcelona's first pre-season friendly match, which is against Vissel Kobe.

Speaking for the first time as a Barça player, Garcia expressed his excitement about joining one of the biggest clubs in Europe and making a strong impression under head coach Hansi Flick.

In an interview with Gerard Romero, he said, “I am happy, very happy. I am also very eager to sign the contract, and I’m very happy.” (sic)

What does Joan Garcia's signing add to this Barcelona super-team?

As per reports, Joan Garcia is set to start training with Barcelona from 13th July at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and integrate himself into Hansi Flick's dynamic setup.

Barça have often been quite vulnerable at the back for the last few seasons, which led to them conceding a significant number of goals.

The club skipper, Marc-André ter Stegen, is undoubtedly one of the finest goalkeepers that the Catalan giants have had in recent times, but his performances have dipped considerably following his knee surgery last year.

Garcia, who is just 24, adds much better shot-stopping ability to Hansi Flick's side and appears to be a safer and better option for the future of the club as well.

Both Ter Stegen and Szczesny are 33 and 35, respectively, and there could not have been a better replacement for these ageing legends than the young sensation known as Joan Garcia.

The Spanish shot-stopper can also act as a sweeper keeper and has decent ball distribution skills to fit in Flick's high-intensity system. His young age also gives the club a huge advantage of being secured between the posts for at least the next few years.