FC Barcelona's Goalkeeping Prepares for a Significant Restructuring Ahead of the 2025-2026 Season. The New Season Will See the Return of Marc-André ter Stegen, After an Injury That Kept Him Away From the Field for Much of This Season. The New Year Will Involve Adjustments in the Team's Goalkeeper Hierarchy.
This Situation Not Only Affects Wojciech Szczęsny, Who Assumed the Starting Role in the German's Absence, but Also Young Promises Like Diego Kochen. The American Is Set to Be the Third Goalkeeper for the blaugrana Team. Diego Kochen, Born in Miami on March 19, 2006, Is One of the Emerging Gems of La Masia.
Kochen, of Peruvian and Venezuelan Descent, Joined FC Barcelona in 2019 From the Marcet Foundation. Since Then, He Has Climbed the Ranks in the Club's Youth Categories, Standing Out for His Stature, Reflexes, and Ability to Play With His Feet. His Progress Has Led Him to Debut With Barça Atlètic and to Be Considered a Very Viable Option for the First Team in the Near Future.
Deco Has Already Chosen the Third Goalkeeper
The Sports Management, Led by Deco, Has Decided That Kochen Will Be Barça's Third Goalkeeper in the 2025-2026 Season. This Decision Has the Approval of Coach Hansi Flick, Who Positively Values the Young Goalkeeper's Qualities. The Intention Is for Kochen to Develop in an Elite Environment, Gaining Experience and Adapting to the Demands of the First Team.
The Recovery of Ter Stegen and the Continuity of Szczęsny as the Second Goalkeeper Force the Club to Rethink the Situation of Other Goalkeepers. Iñaki Peña, Who Failed to Establish Himself During Ter Stegen's Absence, Plans to Seek New Horizons. Teams From LaLiga and Abroad Have Shown Interest in His Services, and His Departure Seems Imminent.
A Loan for Astralaga
Meanwhile, Ander Astralaga, Another Emerging Talent From La Masia, Could Be Loaned Out in Search of Minutes and Experience in Professional Soccer. The Club Considers That a Loan Would Be Beneficial for His Development, Allowing Him to Return in the Future With More Experience and Preparation to Compete for a Spot in the First Team.
The Bet on Diego Kochen as the Third Goalkeeper Demonstrates FC Barcelona's Confidence in Its Youth Academy and La Masia's Ability to Continue Producing Talent. This Strategy Not Only Ensures a Planned Succession in Goalkeeping but Also Reinforces the Club's Identity. An Identity Clearly Based on Promoting Young Promises Trained at Barça.
Internal Competition Will Be Intense, and Kochen Will Have the Opportunity to Learn From Two Experienced Goalkeepers Like Ter Stegen and Szczęsny. This Coexistence Will Allow Him to Absorb Knowledge and Gradually Adapt to the Pace and Demands of Elite Soccer. FC Barcelona Is Carrying Out Meticulous Planning in Its Goalkeeping, Combining Veteran Experience With the Freshness and Projection of Young Talents.