Ter Stegen Is Getting Closer to Defending Barça's Goal Again. The German goalkeeper suffered a knee injury at the beginning of the season, which forced him to undergo surgery and miss a large part of the season. However, his recovery has progressed very favorably, and everything indicates that he could be available in April, just in time for the decisive stretch.
The goalkeeper's return is great news for Barça, which faces the last months of competition with the fight for La Liga, the Copa, and the Champions League at stake. However, his return doesn't guarantee that he will immediately regain the starting position.
Szczesny Will Be Serious Competition for Ter Stegen
During the German's absence, Barça reacted quickly in the market and signed Wojciech Szczesny, who arrived as a free agent. The Polish goalkeeper quickly secured the position and has performed at an extraordinary level, becoming a key piece for Flick.
His performance has been so solid that Barça has decided to renew him for the next season. With outstanding performances in key matches, Szczesny has shown security, leadership, and a great ability to save points with decisive interventions. This makes Ter Stegen's return not so simple, as the coach will have to decide whether to bet on the German or maintain confidence in the Polish player.
His Level Will Cause Changes in the Goal
Szczesny's high level has caused a change of plans in Barça's sports planning. The club's intention is to keep the Polish player and Ter Stegen as the pair of goalkeepers for the next season, which represents an important move in the squad.
In this situation, Iñaki Peña, who has been the second goalkeeper in recent years, will be forced to seek an exit next summer market. The goalkeeper has had sporadic opportunities, but with the presence of two top-level veterans, his role within the team would be practically relegated. Therefore, the club is already working on finding him an exit that benefits both parties.
Iñaki Peña Already Has an Offer: Barça Asks for 10 Million
One of the clubs that has shown interest in acquiring Iñaki Peña's services is Celta de Vigo. According to "E-Noticies," the Galician team is looking to strengthen its goalkeeping position for the next season and sees the Barça youth player as an ideal option.
Barça has valued Iñaki at 10 million euros, a figure that Celta will have to negotiate if they want to finalize his signing. With a contract until 2026, the goalkeeper has a market, and his departure could help Barça balance accounts within Fair Play. It remains to be seen if the Vigo team is willing to reach the requested figure or if more interested parties will appear in the bidding.