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 between the two bitter rivals is underway in the city.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia in recent months with the “nice” buyout clause of €25 million, but the Espanyol president described this earlier in the week as totally unlikely.
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-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.
A few days later, the “shocking” thing is about to happen. According to the hyperactive transfer journalist Romano, the negotiations are in the final phase, where it is steered towards an agreement between the clubs. Garcia has already made his choice to play for his city rival.
According to Diario AS and Relevo, Barcelona are planning to send the 24-year-old Garcia directly on loan next season to continue his development outside Barcelona.
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