The FC Barcelona goalkeeper position has been dominating the headlines in recent days… and with good reason. The possible signing of Joan García, the future of Ter Stegen up in the air, the renewal of Szczesny and the departure of Iñaki Peña. Too many issues to deal with for Deco, who needs to resolve matters to lighten the workload and define the squad for next season. In this regard, two LaLiga teams are pushing hard to keep Peña in this summer’s transfer market.
Joan García, a name on everyone’s lips
Joan García has had a great season, attracting interest from half of Europe, and Barcelona wants to win the battle for the player, with whom it is already in negotiations. Espanyol will not budge on the $25 million release clause, but the player is open to staying in LaLiga and wearing the Barcelona jersey. “In the end, in soccer, news comes out every few minutes, things come out. That’s why it’s a reality… it’s not always like that. But anyway, as I said, I’m very calm and whatever has to be decided, I’ll think about it carefully with my people and choose what’s best for me… and I’m sure that’s how it will be.“
These statements seem to point to Barcelona as a real possibility, especially when combined with his next statement. ”Would I prefer to go abroad? I’m very open, I wouldn’t have a problem leaving. I’m not afraid to leave Spain. It wouldn’t be a problem to face Espanyol either, it would be nice, these things can happen and I try to see the positive side of things, if it happens, I would take it with enthusiasm.”
Ter Stegen, adamant about his future
Amidst the turmoil surrounding Joan García, there has been speculation that his signing would mean the departure of Ter Stegen, to whom Laporta has reportedly opened the door. The truth is that the German goalkeeper has not had an easy season with a serious injury that has kept him out for the entire season, with Szczesny arriving to win over the Barça fans. With his return, he struggled to regain the starting spot he had taken for granted for next season and which is now in doubt. The player, however, has been adamant about his future.
“No one at the club has spoken to me about this possibility. I’m not worried at all because I know that next season I’ll be at Barcelona,” said the German goalkeeper, adding that “Barça is one of the biggest clubs in the world and competition is normal. For me, the situation hasn’t changed at all.”
Szczesny’s renewal on the way
The third player in contention is Szczesny, who has not yet signed his renewal, but reports from his country suggest that he has agreed to stay. The Polish goalkeeper arrived at Barça following Ter Stegen’s injury and was expected to be a backup, but he became the first-choice keeper under Hansi Flick, demonstrating his quality and importance in helping the team win three titles.
Valencia and Celta want Iñaki Peña
Finally, there is Iñaki Peña, who has been ostracised and still has a year left on his contract. The goalkeeper wants to play and has offers to leave, but there is a problem. His salary is high and Celta and Valencia, the clubs pushing to keep the player, are not in a position to afford it.
A loan move is out of the question, so the only option is a transfer or for Barça to decide to terminate his contract to facilitate the player’s departure and get rid of a problem. Barça will talk to his agents in the coming days to find the best solution.