Real Madrid make first move for Courtois heir Joan Garcia amid Lunin uncertainty | OneFootball

Real Madrid have made contact with the entourage of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, according to reports in Spain.

While the links remain in their early stages, Madrid’s history suggests they do not act without long-term intent. First comes the monitoring, then the growing noise — and suddenly, the move is done. That pattern has played out before, and the interest in Garcia is beginning to follow a familiar script.

The 23-year-old has become one of the most coveted young goalkeepers in Europe following an impressive season in La Liga. Newcastle United and Arsenal are among the Premier League clubs tracking him, while Barcelona have also shown interest.

Now, Madrid have entered the fray. Though no formal move has been made, sources close to the situation suggest the club has reached out to Garcia’s camp to register their interest.

His €25 million release clause is seen as excellent value, particularly after a breakout year in which he established himself as a starter and showed qualities that have drawn comparisons to Thibaut Courtois.

Madrid’s situation in goal is delicately poised. Courtois remains the first choice, but Andriy Lunin’s future is far from certain. The Ukrainian has one year left on his contract, and his agent, Jorge Mendes, is reportedly exploring offers above €20 million that could tempt Madrid to sell.

If Lunin departs, the club would need to move quickly — and Garcia is among the leading options under consideration.

That said, the player’s camp is treading carefully. Garcia wants regular game time and is unlikely to accept a backup role, even at a club of Madrid’s stature. Similar concerns have already stalled progress with Barcelona and Arsenal, where David Raya and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are well established.

Madrid, for now, are watching and waiting.

They have long admired Garcia and were tracking him before he made his top-flight debut. Now that he has done so in style, their interest has been rekindled — but whether they act will depend largely on Lunin’s situation.

The message is clear: Madrid are close enough to make a move if the conditions are right.

And for Garcia, this is often how it begins with Madrid — a call, a whisper, then a contract.