Howe Reveals: Newcastle United Offers £45 Million to Sign Joan García — Prediction Certain He Will Succumb to the Call After His Interview with Newsmen…
By James Cartwright, Sports Correspondent | June 1, 2025
In what is shaping up to be one of the most captivating transfer sagas of the summer, Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has lifted the lid on a potential blockbuster signing as he confirmed the club has submitted a formal £45 million offer to secure the services of Joan García, the young and highly-rated Spanish goalkeeper currently shining at RCD Espanyol. While the deal is yet to be finalized, all indications point toward a dramatic shift in García’s future after his revealing interview with Spanish media, in which he expressed admiration for the Magpies and hinted at his readiness to accept the Premier League challenge.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper, hailed as one of Spain’s most promising goalkeepers, has been on Newcastle United’s radar for several months. But in a major development, manager Eddie Howe has now confirmed that official steps have been taken to land García as the club looks to bolster its goalkeeping department for the 2025–26 campaign.
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A Keeper on the Rise
Joan García’s journey from the youth ranks of CE Manresa to becoming Espanyol’s undisputed No. 1 has been nothing short of meteoric. Born in Sallent, Catalonia, García was groomed in the Espanyol academy system and made his La Liga debut at just 20 years old. His rapid rise was fueled by his remarkable shot-stopping ability, agility, and cool composure under pressure—qualities that have drawn comparisons to Spanish greats like Iker Casillas and David de Gea.
García’s 2024–25 season has been a standout campaign. He registered 14 clean sheets in La Liga, helped Espanyol mount a surprise top-eight finish, and even earned his first senior call-up to the Spanish national team. Analysts across Europe have been buzzing about his performances, and now it seems his next destination could be the English Premier League.
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Eddie Howe Speaks Out
Speaking to Sky Sports reporters after Newcastle’s end-of-season review meeting, manager Eddie Howe finally addressed the swirling rumors head-on.
> “Yes, I can confirm that we’ve made an official bid for Joan García,” Howe stated. “He’s a player we’ve admired for a long time. At just 24, he already plays with a maturity beyond his years. We believe he has the potential to be one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, and we see him as a perfect fit for what we’re building at Newcastle.”
Howe also praised García’s ability with the ball at his feet, a crucial quality in modern goalkeeping and one that aligns well with Newcastle’s evolving tactical identity. “He’s not just a great shot-stopper—he’s comfortable playing out from the back, organizing his defense, and dealing with pressure situations. That composure will be vital in the Premier League,” Howe added.
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García’s Revealing Interview with Spanish Press
The most tantalizing clue came during García’s recent sit-down with Spanish sports daily Marca, where the young keeper was asked directly about his future amid growing interest from English clubs.
> “Newcastle United is a great club with passionate fans and a project that is clearly aiming for the top,” García told reporters. “Of course, the Premier League is a dream for many players. If the time comes, I will sit down with my family and advisors and make the best decision for my future.”
Though García did not explicitly confirm he was joining Newcastle, his tone was noticeably open and reflective, leading many in the footballing world to interpret his remarks as a prelude to an imminent move.
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Why Newcastle Needs García
While current Newcastle No. 1 Nick Pope has been a solid presence, his injury-plagued 2024–25 season raised concerns about long-term reliability. Backup options such as Martin Dúbravka and Loris Karius are either aging or seen as temporary solutions. The club’s ambition to compete on multiple fronts—Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and domestic cups—necessitates depth and elite quality in every position.
Joan García is not just seen as a backup or rotation option; the belief within St. James’ Park is that he could challenge for and eventually claim the No. 1 jersey. His age and ceiling make him a long-term investment.
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What This Means for Espanyol
Espanyol, who only recently returned to La Liga after a brief stint in the Segunda División, are well aware that they face an uphill battle to keep García. The club’s director of football, José María Durán, acknowledged the interest from abroad in a press conference last week.
> “We would love to keep Joan with us for many years, but we are realistic. He is a special talent, and big clubs will naturally come calling. If the player wishes to pursue another opportunity, we will respect that—but only at the right price.”
Espanyol are believed to value García at around £50 million, though sources close to the negotiations suggest they would be willing to accept Newcastle’s £45 million offer with performance-based add-ons and a sell-on clause.
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Fan Reactions and Predictions
News of Newcastle’s official bid and García’s statements have set social media ablaze. Fans have already begun posting welcome messages and edited images of García in a Newcastle kit. Several prominent fan accounts are declaring the deal “all but done,” with many applauding the club’s proactive transfer strategy.
Spanish football journalist Guillem Balagué predicted:
> “If nothing dramatic changes, I expect Joan García to be a Newcastle United player by mid-July. His interview clearly hinted at a move. Newcastle want him, and Espanyol will sell if the price is right. It’s a matter of dotting i’s and crossing t’s.”
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The Broader Strategy at Newcastle
The pursuit of García is part of a broader shift in Newcastle United’s transfer approach. After initially making headlines with marquee signings post-takeover, the club has pivoted toward signing high-potential players in their early 20s—names like Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, and now potentially García.
With UEFA Financial Fair Play rules tightening, investing smartly in players who can offer both immediate impact and future resale value is key. García fits this mold perfectly: young, proven in a top league, and yet still developing.
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Looking Ahead: A Deal in the Making
With Eddie Howe’s public confirmation and Joan García’s barely veiled enthusiasm, the writing seems to be on the wall. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing behind closed doors, with both clubs confident of finding common ground. García is currently on holiday but expected to return for preseason in early July—by then, he may very well be wearing the black and white of Newcastle United.
If the deal goes through, Newcastle will not only secure one of Europe’s most promising keepers but also send a powerful message to their Premier League rivals: the Magpies are not content with top-four finishes—they are building for dominance.
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Conclusion
As the summer transfer window prepares to swing open, all eyes will be on St. James’ Park and RCD Espanyol. Will Joan García take the leap and answer the Premier League call? With Howe’s confirmation and the player’s revealing interview, the answer appears all but certain. Newcastle United are on the brink of landing a generational talent, and the world of football is watching.
Stay with us for more updates as this transfer saga continues to unfold.
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