We can’t continue to wait for Onana to get over his silly mistakes, so we are getting another goalkeeper to replace him as our first goalkeeper” – This is according to Ruben Amorim as Manchester United are reportedly preparing a “last-minute move” for a top La Liga goalkeeper, with discussions expected to begin shortly.
Manchester United are reportedly preparing a significant push to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer.
Following a standout season in La Liga, Garcia has become one of the most in-demand keepers in Europe. The 24-year-old impressed with his agility, composure, and eight clean sheets across 38 league matches for Espanyol.
While Arsenal have also shown interest, their inability to guarantee a starting role next season may weaken their position. In contrast, United appear ready to make a change between the posts, with current number one Andre Onana facing heavy criticism for inconsistent performances. His mistakes—particularly in high-stakes games like the Europa League final—have sparked concerns within the club.
According to CaughtOffside, Garcia is now viewed as a genuine candidate to take over in goal. United’s leadership is reportedly aiming to open formal negotiations within the next few days, as they look to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.
Although Garcia remains under contract with Espanyol until 2028, he could be secured for just €25 million—the amount set in his release clause.
Barcelona are currently seen as frontrunners in the race for his signature, but Garcia has yet to commit to any team, leaving the door open for late interest from Old Trafford. United are believed to be moving quickly behind the scenes and are “doing the most” to advance their pursuit.
Given that United paid around €50 million for Onana in 2023, Garcia’s €25 million valuation could represent excellent value—particularly if he’s installed as the starting keeper immediately under new boss Ruben Amorim.
Onana’s recent omission from matchday squads, along with reports linking him to a potential move to the Saudi Pro League, suggests that United are ready to pivot—and Garcia might just be the solution they’re looking for.
Manchester United’s interest in **Joan Garcia** signals a clear shift in strategy under Rúben Amorim and INEOS—one that could mark the **end of the road for André Onana** at Old Trafford.
Here’s what you need to know about the situation:
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### 🧤 **Why Joan Garcia?**
* **Age**: Just 24 years old — perfect for long-term planning.
* **Breakout season**: 8 clean sheets in 38 La Liga games for Espanyol — **impressive** considering the club’s overall form.
* **Key traits**:
* *Excellent shot-stopper*
* *Strong reflexes and positioning*
* *Good distribution under pressure*
* Calm under crosses and in 1v1 situations
* **Release clause**: Just **€25 million** — *half the price* United paid for Onana.
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### 🔴 **United’s Goalkeeping Situation**
* **Onana under scrutiny**:
* High-profile errors, especially in Europe.
* Leadership concerns and questionable decision-making.
* Omitted from some matchday squads toward the end of the season.
* **Potential exit**:
* Onana has **Saudi suitors**, and United may listen to offers to recoup some of the €50m they spent just last summer.
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### ⚔️ **Competition for Garcia**
* **Barcelona**: Keen admirers, but their financial situation could delay a bid.
* **Arsenal**: Interested, but cannot offer guaranteed starts — Garcia wants to be first choice.
* **Manchester United**: *Ready to act quickly*, offering both the role and an exciting new project under Amorim.
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### 🧩 **Tactical Fit under Amorim**
* Garcia is **comfortable playing out from the back**, a critical trait for Amorim’s high-possession, build-from-the-back style.
* Unlike Onana, he **takes fewer risks** but remains composed under pressure — offering more *stability without sacrificing modern GK traits*.
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### ✅ **Why This Makes Sense for United**
* **Value for money**: €25 million for a starting-level goalkeeper is a bargain in today’s market.
* **Youth with experience**: 24, but already proven in a top league.
* **Long-term fix**: Garcia could be the next key pillar in a rebuild centered on younger, tactically adaptable players.
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### 🔮 **What’s Next?**
United are expected to:
* Initiate **formal negotiations within days**.
* Possibly offload Onana if a suitable offer comes in.
* Offer Garcia a **clear pathway to be the No. 1** under Amorim — something neither Arsenal nor Barcelona can guarantee.
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Would you like a side-by-side comparison of **Joan Garcia vs. André Onana** in key goalkeeping metrics (e.g., save percentage, passing accuracy, sweeper actions) from the 2023/24 season?
