Barcelona has now held an agreement with Espanyol -goalkeeper Joan Garcia, but the Blaugrana have taken the vital step to secure his signing. The 24-year-old striking last season could be announced this week as a new signing by Barcelona.
Garcia was ready to leave Espanyol this summer, and for his release clause of € 25 million, but most expected it to be to the Premier League, with interest from Newcastle United and Manchester City. After a last-minute change in Barcelona plans, however, they decided to move for him, and director of Football Deco convinced him to make the switch over the city. He will sign for five years with the Blaugrana that earns € 3 million per season.
After reports that the required € 25 million was deposited on Friday, Diario has confirmed that the Rastar group, the Chinese ownership of Espanyol, has confirmed to the Chinese stock market that the € 26.34 million was paid to release Garcia from his contract. That amount corresponds to the Clause Plus taxes on it. La Liga told Espanyol that this was the case on Monday morning.
The announcement also states that Espanyol still has to receive the money, but at least € 18.75 million of the reimbursement goes to the club and its daily activities. It is expected that this Espanyol will keep in black for this year's accounts.
Los Pericos is reportedly also for sale, and owner Chen Yansheng is apparently close to sealing an agreement with Alk Capital and Alan Pace, the group that is currently in charge of Burnley in the Premier League. When the deal is completed, PACE is expected to focus its attention on construction on the current attitude of Espanyol and to make them a competition for European places in the coming years.