Joan Garcia, a goalkeeper for Espanyol, was recruited by Barcelona on Wednesday for a six-year contract worth 26.34 million euros ($31 million).

Garcia, 24, played 38 games last season and kept eight clean sheets. He had first joined Barca's local rivals as a youth. After Hansi Flick's team won four titles, including La Liga, last season, he became the Catalans' first summer acquisition. Barca claimed to have recently finished an incredible La Liga season in which he was instrumental in ensuring Espanyol's survival.

Garcia's remarkable performances and remarkable potential at the age of 24 have made him a target for many elite clubs worldwide, including Barcelona, the 28-time La Liga champions, added.

In a social media video posted on Tuesday, Garcia bid farewell to Espanyol supporters. He stated that he is aware that not everyone would find this choice simple to comprehend. Nor does he request that they do so. However, he wants his supporters to know that he made a very well-considered choice, taking into account not only his career but also what would be best for the team, his family, and himself.

Next season, Garcia will have competition for Barca's number one shirt from Spain's Inaki Pena, Poland's Wojciech Szczesny, and Germany's Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.