As usual, there is a lot going on at Barcelona before the start of the season. Captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been rumored to be leaving Camp Nou, now sporting director Deco has pressed the buy-out clause button that heralds a change on the line at the reigning La Liga champions. A signing that is not particularly well received on the other side of town.
When Gerard Pique left Barcelona after 616 appearances for the club, he was asked about the toughest matches. We expected to hear the opener, El Clasico against Real Madrid, but the legend highlighted a showdown that was even more bitter. Barcelona derby against Espanyol. A few years later, a shock transition is realized between the two bitter rivals in the city.
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Two weeks ago, the Espanyol president described a Barcelona signing of goalkeeper Joao Garcia as totally unlikely.
-He has strong feelings for the club. I’m not inside his head, but I would be very surprised if he moves to Barca. Partly because they have Ter Stegen, partly because they are our eternal rivals, that would shock me,” said club president Garagarza according to Football-Espana.
This week will be a shocking week for the club president. According to Radio Catalunya, Barca have now activated the €27 million buyout clause for Garcia, with the transfer to be confirmed within a few days.
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Garcia has been one of La Liga’s best this season, the 24-year-old is said to have the potential to take over the job as Spanish national team goalkeeper. For the Espanyol supporters, it can be a pain to see their former academy player guarding the cage of their city rival. For Barcelona, a potential warp.
