Alan Pace’s Failed Pursuit of Joan Garcia for Burnley Revealed

The intricate web of ownership in modern football often creates strange overlaps, but few are as striking as the connection between RCD Espanyol and Burnley FC. New reports have revealed that Alan Pace, the current president of Espanyol and owner of Burnley, attempted to sign goalkeeper Joan Garcia for the English side before he took the reins at the Spanish club.

The revelation comes as the football world anticipates the upcoming derby between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol this Saturday at the Camp Nou, scheduled for 18:30 local time. The match carries an extra layer of tension this season, as Joan Garcia—the man who served as a hero during Espanyol’s recent fight for survival—now lines up for the Catalan giants.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Burnley inquired about Garcia last summer during a period of transition for both the player and the club’s ownership. At the time of the inquiry, Alan Pace was not yet in command of Espanyol. The transfer of power at the Spanish club, moving from Rastar Group to Velocity Sports Partners (VSP), did not occur until early October.

A Search for a New Number One

Burnley’s interest in the 24-year-old goalkeeper was driven by a void in their own squad. James Trafford, who had been a standout performer and played a pivotal role in securing Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League, departed for Manchester City in July 2025. Trafford currently serves as the backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma at City.

With Trafford gone, Pace sought a high-caliber replacement for the “Clarets.” Garcia, a native of Sallent, had become one of the most sought-after young keepers in Spain after recording 146 saves in the previous Liga season—the highest total in the league. This form attracted interest not only from Burnley but too from Newcastle United.

Garcia chose a different path, joining FC Barcelona in June 2025 for a transfer fee of €25 million. For a young player, the allure of the Camp Nou proved far more compelling than a move to the English Midlands.

The ‘Low Cost’ Success of Martin Dubravka

While the pursuit of Garcia failed, Burnley pivoted to a more experienced, budget-friendly option. The club signed 37-year-old Slovakian international Martin Dubravka on a free transfer. Dubravka arrived at Turf Moor with a resume featuring stints at Newcastle and Manchester United.

Despite Burnley’s struggles this season—currently sitting in the penultimate position in the Premier League—Dubravka has been a bright spot. The veteran has proven to be an efficient stopgap, leading the Premier League in total saves.

For readers unfamiliar with the terminology, a “low cost” signing typically refers to a player acquired for a minimal fee or, as in Dubravka’s case, a “free agent” who is not under contract with another club, allowing the acquiring team to avoid paying a transfer fee to another organization.

The High Stakes of the Catalan Derby

The timing of these revelations adds a narrative punch to the upcoming clash between Barcelona and Espanyol. Garcia, who was once the target of the man now presiding over his former club, will be facing the team he helped keep in the top flight.

Barcelona is currently balancing this domestic rivalry with high-stakes European competition, as they prepare for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Atlético de Madrid. The depth and quality of their squad, exemplified by the signing of Garcia, remain central to their ambitions on both fronts.

As the match at the Camp Nou approaches, the focus shifts from boardroom maneuvers and failed transfer bids to the pitch, where Garcia will gaze to prove that the decision to choose Barcelona over the Premier League was the right one.

The next confirmed checkpoint for both clubs is the derby this Saturday at 18:30 local time. We will provide live updates and a full recap following the final whistle.

Do you consider Joan Garcia was the right signing for Barcelona, or should he have taken the leap to the Premier League? Let us understand in the comments.