Joan García made his Champions League debut in Barcelona’s victory 2-1 over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Thursday.
The goalkeeper joined the Spanish giants from Espanyol in the summer window and prior to his move to Barcelona, he was linked to several clubs, including Newcastle.
Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo look at Newcastle’s failed efforts to sign the 24-year-old.
After the end of last season, the Magpies were said to be the most concrete option for the stopper, and Sport say he was genuinely tempted to join them.
This would have likely happened before Barcelona entered strongly, and Mundo report the Tyneside club made an attempt.
It’s claimed Barca sporting director Deco and his technical staff’s ‘decisive commitment’ to bet on the stopper was key in their efforts to sign him.
García has enjoyed a good start to his Barcelona career, keeping two clean sheets and conceding four goals from five games. He would have managed another clean sheet if not for Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 90th minute yesterday.
Newcastle ended up signing Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton this summer, and he’s a backup for first-choice goalkeeper, Nick Pope.
