Barcelona interested in 20-year-old German goalkeeping prospect – report

FC Barcelona will usher in a new era next week as Hansi Flick takes over as the new manager, replacing Xavi Hernandez.

The upcoming transfer window under the German will also be crucial for the Blaugrana as they look to strengthen the squad while operating under strict financial constraints.

Top-level signings are being eyed to reinforce the senior setup but at the same time, Barcelona are keeping watch out on young talents with an eye on the future.

Barcelona tracking Mio Backhaus

As part of the strategy, Barcelona are closely monitoring German goalkeeper Mio Backhaus of Werder Bremen, reports journalist Patrick Berger.

Backhaus, 20, came through the youth ranks at Werder Bremen and spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Dutch club FC Volendam, where he managed only three clean sheets in 34 matches.

While his team did concede a lot of goals, Backhaus’ performances have attracted interest from several clubs across Europe. Even though Volendam got relegated, the youngster was named the Goalkeeper of the season in the Eredivisie.

Mio Backhaus on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images for DFB)

Barcelona are understood to have been scouting Backhaus during the course of the campaign, while some other clubs have also made enquiries for the German ace.

The Blaugrana have Marc-Andre ter Stegen as their undisputed starter in goal with Inaki Pena being seen as a handy backup.

However, in recent weeks, there have been some murmurs of the latter’s future, with there being a chance that he could leave in search of regular game-time.

In that scenario, Barça could require a new goalkeeper to act as backup for Ter Stegen, which might explain the interest in Backhaus.

There is no movement as of now and much will likely depend on the finances as well as the situation of Pena.