BARCELONA, July 1. Betandsured. Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia has offered a measured response to mounting speculation linking Julian Alvarez with a move to the Catalan giants, acknowledging the Atletico Madrid striker’s quality while refusing to be drawn on transfer gossip.
Speaking to RAC 1 during Spain’s World Cup 2026 campaign in the United States, Garcia became the latest Barcelona player to field questions about the club’s widely reported interest in the World Cup winning forward. Alvarez, who has been identified as Barcelona’s primary attacking target ahead of the new season, continues to be linked with a high profile switch to the Camp Nou.
“Everyone knows that Julián is a great player, but he is from Atlético de Madrid,” Garcia said. “We can do little about what he and the clubs decide.”
The goalkeeper, who is currently preparing for Spain’s Round of 32 clash against Austria, was careful not to fuel transfer rumours, stressing the importance of focusing on matters within the squad’s control.
“You don’t know if what comes out in the press is true or not and we don’t give it much importance. The more good players you have in the squad, the higher the quality.”
Gordon Praise
Garcia also took time to welcome Anthony Gordon to Barcelona following the winger’s arrival from Newcastle United, offering an insight into what supporters can expect from the England international.
The 24 year old completed his move to Spain earlier this summer, and Garcia believes the former Everton academy graduate will bring a distinctive edge to the team’s attacking play.
“Gordon can bring us a lot. We already suffered from him against Newcastle,” Garcia added. “He has intensity and pressure. With the ball he also makes very good decisions, he makes his teammates play very well. He’s a great signing and will help us a lot.”
World Cup Focus
The trio are currently engaged in the knockout stages of the World Cup, with Garcia and Spain preparing to face Austria in the Round of 32. Gordon’s England take on DR Congo, while Alvarez and Argentina will meet Cape Verde as all three nations continue their pursuit of international glory.
Barcelona’s interest in Alvarez is expected to intensify once the tournament concludes, though Garcia’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach within the squad as they balance domestic transfer chatter with international commitments.
The Spanish shot stopper’s remarks suggest that while the dressing room would welcome the Argentine’s arrival, there remains a recognition of the complexities involved in prising a key player from a direct La Liga rival.
