Barcelona director closely tracking La Masia duo’s development amid search for club veteran’s replacement

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco is beginning to plan for a future that may not include Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, reports Jordi Cardero. 

This consideration stems from a combination of factors, including ter Stegen’s injuries and his advancing age, as he approaches 33 years old. 

Recognising these issues, Deco is exploring young goalkeeper options as a precautionary measure to ensure that the team remains strong in this critical position.

In light of these developments, Deco is not limiting his options. He is actively monitoring the progress of goalkeepers emerging from La Masia, Barcelona’s renowned youth academy, while also assessing potential signings from the market. 

This dual approach is allowing him to keep abreast of the talent available within the club and beyond, ensuring that Barcelona can make informed decisions about its future goalkeeping situation.

Those from La Masia

Currently, Inaki Pena has been entrusted with a significant role within the team’s goalkeeping hierarchy. Pena is positioned as the primary goalkeeper despite the arrival of Wojciech Szczesny. 

Diego Kochen is expected to make his senior team debut soon. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

This arrangement means that one of the reserve team goalkeepers is also being integrated into the first-team setup, further highlighting Deco’s strategy of blending youth with experience.

Among the reserve goalkeepers, Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen have been training with the first team and competing for their place. 

Astralaga, born in 2004, has been particularly impressive in his performances for Barça Atletic. 

Kochen, on the other hand, has been sidelined for a month due to injury. Prior to his absence, however, he demonstrated why the club holds him in high regard. His performances suggested he has the potential to transition to the first team successfully.

The situation reflects a careful balancing act by Deco and the coaching staff as they navigate the future of the goalkeeper position. 

By considering both the established talent of ter Stegen and the promising prospects in their youth ranks, Barcelona is working towards maintaining a solid foundation in goalkeeping for years to come.