Real Madrid target with €25m exit clause set to agree long-term contract with Barcelona | OneFootball

Real Madrid have been busy in the transfer market even before the summer window is officially open. Two signings have already been confirmed and a third one is expected to be announced soon.

Business, though, is far from done as Real Madrid also intend to sign a new midfielder this summer. Meanwhile, a goalkeeper is also on the Merengues agenda, especially with Andriy Lunin staring at an uncertain future.

To that end, RCD Espanyol ace Joan Garcia, who enjoyed a splendid 2024/25 campaign, had been identified as a target by Real Madrid.

In fact, reports earlier this week revealed that Los Blancos had been in contact with his camp, asking him to wait before making a decision on his future.

Garcia headed to Barcelona

However, in what will come as a blow for Real Madrid, Fabrizio Romano reports that Joan Garcia and Barcelona are closing in on an agreement over a long-term contract.

Barcelona-bound. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The Blaugrana had been working on a deal for the 24-year-old for a while now and as per Romano the agreement between them and the player is very advanced and can be considered ‘almost done’.

Barcelona are intent on finalising the operation at the earliest possible so as to close the doors on any late hijack attempts from Garcia’s other suitors.

The Spanish shot-stopper has a €25 million release clause in his contract with Espanyol which Barcelona will need to be trigger once the personal terms are fully agreed upon.

As far as Real Madrid are concerned, this development seemingly ends any lingering hopes of signing Garcia as a replacement for Lunin.

The Ukrainian international, though, could still depart as his agent Jorge Mendes is looking for prospective buyers. It will be interesting to see who Los Blancos decide to sign if the 26-year-old says goodbye this summer.