Guardiola is attempting to hijack the deal that Barcelona is heavily relying on in the summer transfer window, in a surprise move that has disrupted the Blaugrana management’s plans.

After an outstanding season in which Barcelona secured a remarkable domestic treble—winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup—the club heads into the summer transfer market with momentum, high expectations, and a fierce sense of purpose. For president Joan Laporta and newly appointed coach Hansi Flick, the mission is clear: strengthen key areas of the squad to ensure sustained domestic dominance and mount a serious challenge in the UEFA Champions League.

At the top of Barcelona’s transfer wishlist is a new goalkeeper—one who can potentially succeed Marc-André ter Stegen and take the reins in the coming seasons. Among the standout candidates is Espanyol’s Juan García, a 24-year-old shot-stopper who has emerged as a revelation in La Liga, drawing widespread praise for his agility, composure, and match-saving performances.

According to a report from El Nacional, García’s performances have not only caught the eyes of Barcelona scouts but also propelled him into the conversation as one of the best goalkeepers in Spain. Barça views him as an ideal long-term investment, someone who could provide competition for Ter Stegen or even replace him in the near future.

However, just as Barcelona began moving closer to activating García’s €25 million release clause, an unexpected and formidable competitor has entered the race—Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The Premier League champions are reportedly making urgent moves behind the scenes to hijack the deal, unsettling the Blaugrana’s carefully laid transfer strategy.

Guardiola’s interest is driven largely by the uncertain future of Ederson, who is being targeted by Saudi Arabian clubs with lucrative offers. Should the Brazilian leave, Guardiola has identified García as the ideal replacement—young, athletic, composed under pressure, and excellent with the ball at his feet, a trait vital to City’s playing style.

Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Manchester City is willing to offer García a superior financial package, along with guaranteed first-team opportunities. This puts Barcelona in a difficult position, especially given their well-documented financial constraints and the internal competition García would face at Camp Nou.

Barcelona, for their part, have already held advanced talks with García’s representatives. Hansi Flick has reportedly spoken directly with the goalkeeper, outlining a vision in which he becomes a cornerstone of the team’s new era. Flick views García not just as a backup but as a potential number one in a transitional squad.

Yet, despite these personal reassurances, there remains a sense of hesitation from García’s side. The weight of expectations at Barcelona, the looming presence of Ter Stegen, and the club’s ongoing restructuring could be causing him to pause. In contrast, the offer from Manchester City promises more immediate clarity, security, and the chance to work under one of the most successful managers of the modern era.

For Barcelona, losing García to City would be more than just missing out on a key target—it would represent a symbolic setback in their quest to build a competitive, youthful squad capable of challenging Europe’s elite once again. It also highlights the growing challenge of retaining influence in the transfer market amid financial limitations.

Joan Laporta and Deco, the club’s sporting director, are now scrambling to convince García and his camp that the long-term project at Barcelona is worth prioritizing over short-term financial gains. The pitch is clear: be part of a rebuilding legacy at one of football’s greatest institutions, under a coach who believes in his ability and a system that values development.

However, the Catalan club knows all too well that emotional appeals don’t always win out over practical considerations. Guardiola’s offer isn’t just about money—it’s about immediate trust, a defined role, and the prospect of competing for all major titles, including the Champions League, in one of the most stable environments in world football.

What makes the situation even more delicate is the timing. Barcelona was prepared to close the deal quickly, viewing García as a priority acquisition before pre-season preparations began. Now, the looming specter of City’s involvement has delayed the process and forced the Blaugrana to reconsider their backup options.

Internally, the coaching staff has begun drawing up contingency plans in case García decides to choose Manchester over Catalonia. Other options, such as Villarreal’s Filip Jorgensen and Real Sociedad’s Álex Remiro, have been discussed, but none match García’s blend of youth, talent, and affordability.

As things stand, the transfer saga is far from over. García remains undecided, carefully weighing his next move. Both clubs are waiting on a final answer, with the decision likely to come down to a blend of sporting ambition, financial security, and career progression.

This emerging battle between Barcelona and Manchester City is more than just a competition for a talented goalkeeper—it’s a reflection of the modern football transfer market, where timing, vision, and project clarity often determine success.

For now, the ball is in Juan García’s court. His decision could shape not only his career trajectory but also the strategies of two of Europe’s most powerful clubs. As Barcelona waits anxiously and Guardiola sharpens his tactics, one thing is clear: the summer window has just begun, and the drama is already in full swing.