Espanyol, facing financial challenges, is expected to sell García this summer despite the 23-year-old being under contract until 2028. After an impressive debut season in Spain’s top flight, García’s stock is soaring, and top teams are taking notice. Last summer, Arsenal nearly triggered his €30 million ($34 million) release clause following his role in Spain’s Olympic gold medal triumph. Now, media speculation links him to Real Madrid and Barcelona as well.
In a recent interview with The Associated Press at Espanyol’s training ground, García remained focused on the present.
“There was lots of interest last summer, above all from Arsenal, but I stayed here and from then on I have been 100% focused on this campaign,” García said. “We all know the situation, not just mine, but of the club, and anything can happen. The future will tell.”
A Breakout Season in La Liga
García has quickly become one of La Liga’s standout players. Since stepping up last season due to a teammate’s injury, he helped Espanyol win promotion and then captured Olympic glory in Paris. Now, he leads all goalkeepers in La Liga with 123 saves—an average of nearly four per game.
His stellar performances are a major reason Espanyol sits safely in 13th place, with 11 clubs conceding more goals. Since the winter break, Espanyol has lost just twice in 14 matches, highlighted by a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in February—García’s personal highlight of the season.
But García’s impact extends beyond shot-stopping. His distribution skills—especially long passes to launch counterattacks—have been crucial in helping Espanyol punch above its weight. While he admits he’s still working on dealing with high crosses, García believes his mental strength is his true advantage.
“I think I am a goalkeeper that transmits confidence when making decisions,” he said. “Over the years I’ve learned to accept my mistakes and use them to improve. That is essential, especially for a goalkeeper.”
Among his favorite saves: a diving, left-handed stop to deflect a rocket from Sevilla’s Dodi Lukebakio onto the crossbar and two penalty saves against Mallorca.
Comparisons to Messi
After García’s reflex save against Getafe preserved a 1-0 win, Espanyol coach Manolo González offered high praise.
“We have a goalkeeper who decides matches,” González said. “This is like when Barça had Messi. (García) is going to be a player known around the world.”
García, laughing at the lofty comparison, said:
“I thought he was crazy. But I guess I see what he is getting at. There are moments when I have made plays to help the team, and I am very happy the coach supports me.”
From Small-Town Beginnings to the Big Stage
Born in Sallent de Llobregat, just north of Barcelona, García followed his older brother into goalkeeping at age four. He joined Espanyol’s academy at 15, rising steadily through the ranks. García expressed pride in representing Espanyol, a club often overshadowed by Barcelona but beloved by its "marvelous minority" of dedicated fans.
He credits former Espanyol and Real Madrid veteran Diego López for helping mentor him during his early days with the senior squad, and he reveres Espanyol’s rich history of goalkeepers, including legends Ricardo Zamora, Thomas N’Kono, and Carlos Kameni.
“It is always a source of pride to find another ‘parakeet’ and exchange a greeting because you can feel the warmth,” García said.
Aiming for the World Cup
Though he was overlooked for Spain’s March squad, García is a strong candidate to be part of Spain’s team for the 2026 World Cup. To secure a place, he’ll need to surpass Alejandro Remiro, David Raya, or current starter Unai Simón.
“It is the highest honor to play for one’s country at a World Cup,” García said. “If I have that chance, I will give it my all.”
For now, García remains committed to helping Espanyol stay afloat—but the world is clearly watching.