Barça's goalkeeping has experienced an unusual season due to Marc-André ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper suffered a knee injury at the beginning of the season that has kept him practically out for the entire course. Faced with this situation, the club reacted and signed Wojciech Szczęsny, the former Juventus goalkeeper, who was free after announcing his retirement in the summer.
However, his arrival was an emergency solution that ended up performing above what was desired. Szczęsny, known for his experience and character between the posts, has offered security and consistency at a delicate moment. His performance has been remarkable considering the circumstances, and he has been key in several matches where the team needed defensive stability.
Tek's level and Ter Stegen's age
Nevertheless, the club is aware that it must look to the future with perspective. Ter Stegen is already 33 years old and has accumulated two knee injuries in recent years, which raises concerns. Although he remains a reference in goalkeeping, the physical doubts make the sports management seriously consider a transition plan.
As for Szczęsny, despite his good performance, his role has clearly been that of a temporary patch. His age and the fact that he came out of retirement to help Barça in a moment of urgency indicate that he is not a long-term option. The club appreciates his commitment but knows it needs to find a more stable and lasting solution in the short to medium term.
The economic situation complicates an operation like Joan Garcia's
One of the names most liked by the technical secretariat is Joan García, Espanyol's goalkeeper. The young goalkeeper is having an excellent season and is seen as one of the goalkeepers with the greatest projection in Spanish soccer. His clause is around 30 million, a high figure for a club like Barça, which continues to face significant economic limitations.
Although Joan García would fit perfectly into the profile the club is looking for, the current financial situation prevents any operation of this caliber. For now, his signing is ruled out, pending a possible improvement in the club's accounts or income during the next market.
The club bets on La Masia
In light of this, Barça has decided to continue betting on homegrown talent. In recent days, the club has renewed Áron Yaakobishvili, a Juvenil goalkeeper who has been one of the main protagonists of the team that won the Youth League.
Yaakobishvili, considered one of the most promising goalkeepers from La Masia, will continue his progression within the club. Although it is still too early to think of him as an immediate solution, Barça trusts his development and sees him as an investment in a position that needs stability.