Joan García, a luxury to enjoy while you can

In Cornellà, they've been accepting for some time that they probably have little time left to continue enjoying their greatest footballing luxury, the goalkeeper and architect of Espanyol's safety. Everything points to Joan García (24), coveted by half of Europe, playing his penultimate game as a blue and white player this Thursday at the RCDE Stadium against Barça (9:30 p.m.), another of his suitors.

Reactions of admiration are now common among the Espanyol faithful whenever the player from Sallent makes one of his miraculous saves. Many have earned him points. It's no coincidence that the Catalan is the goalkeeper who saves the most balls in La Liga and the second in Europe, far ahead of his Blaugrana rival Szczesny. It's no secret among the Espanyol faithful that the chances of victory against their eternal rival depend on another great performance from the goalkeeper.

A year to remember that might not have happened if Espanyol had accepted Arsenal's €20 million offer in the final days of the summer transfer window.

Now the team's hero, Joan García was plagued by doubts not so long ago. His initial tenure with the first team was marked by insecurity and mistakes, especially ill-timed exits that cost him goals. Until he took advantage of an injury to Pacheco, still in the Second Division, to take a step forward.

Buoyed by the confidence of Manolo González, who made him a regular starter, the goalkeeper has grown in stature in his first full season in the First Division. The shyness he displays off the field has transformed into a strong personality between the posts, a virtue that, combined with his technical skills, has made him one of Europe's best goalkeepers.

A memorable year that might not have happened had Espanyol accepted Arsenal's €20 million offer in the final days of the summer transfer window. The club, led by sporting director Fran Garagarza, refused to accept anything less than his €30 million release clause.

Now, with Espanyol forced to sell, their funds severely depleted, the Gunners will return to the fray in the next transfer window, and this time, price doesn't seem to be an insurmountable obstacle. Joan García, Espanyol's best news this season, could experience his last derby today before soaring to the highest levels of European football .