Barcelona new signing starts training at club facilities five days before pre-season

There was a notable development on Tuesday morning at FC Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva, with the early arrival of summer signing Joan Garcia for training, as confirmed by Mundo Deportivo.

The goalkeeper, recently signed by the club, reported for duty five days ahead of the official start date for pre-season set by head coach Hansi Flick for the first team.

Garcia was signed by Barcelona earlier this summer, from their local rivals RCD Espanyol, activating his €25 million release clause.

The Spanish shot-stopper, who was one of the standout goalkeepers in La Liga last season, has signed a six-year contract with the Blaugrana until the summer of 2031.

The 24-year-old player had already visited the club facilities a few days earlier to collect his new Cupra, the club’s official car, and has now returned full of enthusiasm and determination to begin his new chapter at Barcelona.

Garcia arrived early to familiarise himself with the club’s infrastructure, organise everything he needs, and begin physical preparation in a relaxed manner, aiming to be in peak condition when pre-season officially begins.

His early presence comes just one day after the renewal of Wojciech Szczesny until 2027. With Garcia and Szczesny now in the squad alongside Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Inaki Pena, Barça currently have four goalkeepers on their books.

However, as has already been reported, Pena is expected to be on his way out in the coming days, with no shortage of interest in the La Masia talent’s services.

Meanwhile, Ter Stegen also has suitors but refuses to leave the club and insists on staying and fighting for his place despite Barcelona’s intentions to install Garcia as their new No. 1.