Barça Will Face a Busy Summer in the Goalkeeping Department. With Ter Stegen's return in April after his injury, Flick seems clear that the German will be the starter next season. Alongside him, all signs point to Szczęsny renewing for one more year, thus guaranteeing a duo of experience and quality between the posts next season.
However, the management of the goalkeepers is not a minor issue, and Ter Stegen's full recovery will be key to determining if Barça needs to strengthen with another goalkeeper. Although the German has been an essential piece in recent years, injuries are becoming a concern, and Deco knows that the future of the culé goalkeeping must be planned.
Deco Already Thinking About the Future
Deco is not only thinking about the next season, but he already has in mind what to do in the long term. Ter Stegen will turn 33 years old, and after another complicated knee injury, there is uncertainty about his future performance. Although the club counts on Szczęsny in the short term, the big question is whether this summer is the right time to sign a young goalkeeper who can take over.
The decision is not easy, especially considering the club's financial limitations and the need to strengthen other key positions in the team. Nevertheless, the Portuguese seems clear that Barça should start investing.
Joan García, the Most Exciting Prospect
If Barça opts to sign a young goalkeeper this summer, the name most liked within the club is Joan García, Espanyol's goalkeeper. At 23 years old, he is having a spectacular season in the first division, showing reflexes, personality, and security between the posts. His release clause is 30M, an affordable figure considering the value of others like Diogo Costa.
Joan García would fit perfectly into the idea of a progressive replacement for Ter Stegen. His youth, room for improvement, and experience in Spanish soccer make him an attractive option. Additionally, the fact that he comes from Espanyol's youth academy adds a special intrigue, as it would be a signing with "betrayal" connotations that would generate controversy among the perica fans.
Deco Has Another Preference That Costs 25M
Despite the interest in Joan García, according to "El Nacional," Deco has another preference, and it is Lucas Chevalier, Lille's goalkeeper. At just 22 years old, the Frenchman has excelled this season in the Champions League, and his price would be around 25M, a somewhat more affordable investment than Joan García's. Chevalier stands out for his security, reaction capacity, and composure in key moments, qualities that have made him one of the most promising young goalkeepers.
Deco believes that Lucas Chevalier has greater potential than Joan García and that, in addition, his experience in the Champions League gives him an edge over the Spanish goalkeeper. However, the final word will be with Flick, who will have to decide if it is the time to make a bet in the goalkeeping department or if they trust in Ter Stegen and Szczęsny.