Barcelona could delve into the goalkeeper market this summer.
Barcelona continues to work on planning for the upcoming transfer window. Priority positions for reinforcement include defensive midfielder, left winger, and central midfielder. Additionally, the club will need to incorporate one or two full-backs as Sergi Roberto and Marcos Alonso’s contracts are ending, with unlikely renewals. But according to Mario Rios of Mundo Deportivo, there’s debate regarding the goalkeeper position. Barcelona must decide what to do with Iñaki Peña, who will turn 25 on March 2nd. Initially performing well during Ter Stegen’s injury absence, Peña later displayed some insecurity, leading to many goals conceded. Internally, there’s a discussion about whether to seek a more experienced goalkeeper than Peña to support Ter Stegen.
Simultaneously, there’s uncertainty about whether Peña will seek more playing time elsewhere, having tasted starting opportunities in Ter Stegen’s absence. The club recognizes that now may be the opportune moment to sell Peña as he has impressed in matches against top teams like Atlético and Porto. His contract runs until 2026.
According to sources at MD, the club has already compiled reports on interesting goalkeepers in case they need to enter the market. One of them is Portuguese goalkeeper Luis Maximiano, 25, currently on loan at Almería from Lazio until 2027. He’s familiar to Barcelona’s scouting team from previous seasons, having previously played for Sporting Lisbon and Granada. Not featuring at Lazio, evidenced by his loan to Almería, his future there is uncertain, particularly if the club is relegated. Additionally, there are other experienced goalkeepers whose contracts are ending and are on Barcelona’s radar. One notable candidate is David de Gea, 33, a free agent formerly with Manchester United. While there’s no confirmation from the club regarding interest in De Gea, his track record in top-level competition is noteworthy.
The question remains whether he would accept a backup role to Ter Stegen. Ter Stegen’s situation is also noteworthy. Despite being a key player at Barcelona, at 32, he has reportedly received an offer from a club in Saudi Arabia. While his departure seems unlikely given his importance to the team, the lucrative deals in Saudi Arabia have put the club on alert. His contract runs until 2028.
Additionally, youth prospect Diego Kochen, 17 (turning 18 on March 19), is seen as a promising talent but is considered too young. The club is also monitoring the development of Ander Astralaga, who turns 20 on March 3rd and is contracted until 2025, showing improvement in the reserves.
