Barcelona set to loan out youth goalkeeper ahead of Joan Garcia arrival | OneFootball

It could only be a matter of time before Barcelona announce the deal to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol this summer.

The Spaniard would join as a potential first-choice keeper for Barcelona next season and strengthen the goalkeeping unit, which already has Wojciech Szczesny, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Inaki Pena.

While ter Stegen and Pena have been linked with a move away from Catalonia this summer, Garcia’s arrival may have a bigger domino effect on the team.

Barcelona to loan out Ander Astralaga

According to Mundo Deportivo, the arrival of Garcia may particularly impact the future of youth goalkeeper Ander Astralaga.

Barcelona are planning to loan out the young goalkeeper to ensure he continues his development with regular playing time.

The 21-year-old has been quietly working behind the scenes and has been involved in both the Barça Atlètic and first-team squads throughout the past season.

Astralaga is expected to depart Barcelona on loan this summer (Photo by CARLO HERMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

Astralaga featured in 18 matches for Barça Atlètic in the Primera Federación and was part of the matchday squad for 26 of the senior team’s 60 fixtures under Hansi Flick.

Though he’s yet to make his first-team debut, his performances at the youth and reserve levels have not gone unnoticed.

Barça are keen to monitor his progress, and with the expected arrival of Joan Garcia and potential changes involving Ter Stegen and Pena, the club see a loan as the best option to give Astralaga the experience he now needs at a higher level.

Having joined Barcelona from Athletic Club’s academy in 2019, Astralaga’s development has been steady.

He was instrumental in the U19 A team’s league and Youth Champions Cup double and made his reserve team debut back in 2022.

With a contract until 2026 and an option for two more years, Barcelona still believe in his long-term potential — but his immediate future now looks to lie away from Catalonia.