Barcelona make a decision on signing Ter Stegen replacement after Flick-Deco talks

FC Barcelona are set to enter the transfer market in search of a replacement for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who sustained a serious injury during Sunday’s match against Villarreal, reports MARCA.

The severity of the injury may sideline him for the remainder of the season, prompting the club’s sporting management to take urgent action to mitigate the impact of his absence.

Flick, Deco held talks

As per the report, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco discussed the situation upon the team’s return from Villarreal and again during Monday morning’s training session.

Both agree that relying solely on Inaki Pena and third-choice goalkeeper Ander Astralaga is not a viable option for the rest of the season, especially with another in-house option, Diego Kochen, also injured and out for a month.

Out for the season. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

It is clear that Barcelona will enter the market to bring in a new goalkeeper, although the profile of the potential recruit remains undecided.

The La Liga leaders are considering options that include both established veterans and other goalkeepers familiar with the club who are currently without a team. Flick and Deco plan to meet again on Tuesday to further explore these options.

While indications suggest an immediate acquisition of a goalkeeper, Barcelona may also opt to wait until January, when the transfer window reopens.

This would allow them to sign any available keeper, leveraging the significant salary space freed up by Ter Stegen’s injury, specifically 80% of his contract as outlined in Article 77.

Either way, the decision has been made to go after a new goalkeeper, and further discussions between Flick and Deco will be held to finalise the profile of the player and targets will then be identified.