The five goalkeepers Barcelona are scouting for future reinforcement – report

Barcelona are already looking ahead to a future without their current goalkeeping options, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. 

Following Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury, Barcelona’s goalkeeping situation has been under scrutiny. With Inaki Pena stepping in temporarily and the signing of Wojciech Szczesny, the club is evaluating its long-term options for the position.

In the coming months, the decision-makers at Barcelona and the technical team will closely monitor the club’s goalkeepers and possible external recruits. 

One of the primary reasons Barcelona are focusing on the goalkeeping market is the uncertainty surrounding Pena. His contract runs until 2026, but the club has been considering alternative options. 

Several names have caught the attention of the coaching staff, with five goalkeepers being closely monitored.

Five options Barcelona are scouting

Barcelona like Joan Garcia. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

First on the list is Diogo Costa of FC Porto, a goalkeeper highly regarded by Deco, who has a personal connection to the club and the city of Porto. 

Costa is contracted until 2027, and Porto is known for selling their players at high prices, making this a potentially costly acquisition for Barcelona.

Another promising option is Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, who is already on the radar of top clubs like Real Madrid and Arsenal. Garcia’s price tag is steep, currently set at €30 million, which could rise to €35 million if he makes an international appearance. 

Espanyol are reluctant to let him go, especially to Barcelona, but with a release clause in place, a move could be inevitable.

Alvaro Valles is in consideration. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Alvaro Valles, a Spanish goalkeeper who plays for Las Palmas, is also being considered. His contract expires in 2025, and he is expected to leave as a free agent. Given his refusal to renew with Las Palmas, Barcelona see him as a viable option.

Bart Verbruggen, the Dutch goalkeeper currently with Brighton, has also attracted attention from Barcelona’s coaches. He represents a long-term option for the club, having impressed during his time in the Dutch league.

Lastly, there is Mio Backhaus, a 20-year-old German goalkeeper who currently plays as a backup for Werder Bremen. 

After being named the best goalkeeper in the Dutch league during his loan spell with Volendam, Backhaus is seen as a potential future star that Barcelona could pursue.