Barcelona director wants to see youth goalkeepers gain more prominence – report

Barcelona sporting director, Deco, is pushing for increased opportunities for young goalkeepers at the club, particularly those from La Masia academy, according to Miguel Rico (h/t FCB World).

This initiative comes amidst a challenging goalkeeper situation at the first-team level.

With Marc-Andre ter Stegen sidelined due to a long-term injury, Wojciech Szczesny on a limited contract, and uncertainties surrounding Inaki Pena’s long-term future, Deco has been meticulously scouting goalkeepers for a potential summer signing.

However, in a bid for fairness, the former Portuguese international is keen to see La Masia’s young talents in action.

Deco wants to see the likes of Astralaga and Kochen play more. (Photo by CARLO HERMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

At Deco’s behest, the Blaugrana are now looking to provide more playing time for these promising goalkeepers in Barça Atletic. This move addresses a concerning lack of game time for these young prospects.

Previously, with three goalkeepers typically called up for first-team duties, and both Ter Stegen injured and Szczesny lacking fitness, two reserve goalkeepers found themselves on the bench behind Pena, effectively missing out on playing time for both the first team and the reserves.

The new initiative will see talents like Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen, among others, getting increased opportunities in the Primera RFEF (Spanish third tier).

This change will allow Deco to make a more informed assessment of their abilities and potential, something he currently feels unable to do due to their limited playing time.

This move reflects Barcelona’s ongoing commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and could potentially shape the club’s goalkeeper strategy in the coming transfer windows.