New Delhi: Barcelona are facing a critical dilemma after their star goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen suffered a devastating blow in the recent clash against Villarreal rupturing the patella tendon in his right knee. Ter Stegen was stretched off in tears on Sunday on Monday, the club confirmed that the German shot-stopper had undergone successful surgery but would likely miss the remainder of the season. With their number one sidelined for such an extended period Barcelona must quickly find a replacement to hold down the fort.
Although the La Liga summer transfer window is closed Barca are still permitted to sign a free agent due to the long-term nature of Ter Stegen’s injury. Head coach Hansi Flick must now evaluate whether to promote from within or explore external options to fill this vital position. With the stakes high Barcelona could consider a range of solutions from former La Liga legends to players aiming to establish themselves as reliable starters.
The injury has allowed the Barca side to bring in a free agent as a temporary solution. So, here are five potential options Barca can consider as a temporary solution while Ter Stegen is sidelined.
1. Iñaki Peña
Inaki Pena of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at La Ceramica Stadium in Villarreal, Spain, on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Jose Miguel Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Inaki Pena is the most likely option to take on the number 1 spot in the Blaugrana squad. The 25-year-old made his first appearance for the club after Ter Stegen came off the pitch against Villarreal. Pena conceded one goal in the 5-1 victory.
Although Pena will start for the Catalans side in the upcoming fixtures the Spaniard does not seem like a potential permanent solution. In 10 La Liga appearances last season, he conceded 17 goals and kept just two clean sheets. Penes even let seven goals in Barca’s three Copa del Rey matches.
Pena is rated very high within the club he doesn’t have as much top-level experience which is why an experienced keeper is needed to back the team in the goal post considering their current form. They are on the top of the table and will look to prioritise to firm up their defense.
2. Claudio Bravo
Claudio Bravo of Real Betis looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between RCD Espanyol and Real Betis at RCDE Stadium on January 21, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
If Barcelona wants to sign someone a little closer to the team then Claudio Bravo has shown interest himself. The Chilean hunged his boots last season after his contract with Real Betis ended but has already admitted to winwinallsports that “If Barcelona want me, I will be ready to come out of retirement”.
Bravo played for Barca from 2014 to 2016. During his time Spaniard has won two La Liga titles, A Champions League, and the Club World Cup. He also won two Copa America titles with Chile. Bravo after moving to Manchester City back in 2016 also topped the Premier League twice.
Bravo still seems a temporary option at the age of 41. He is still fit and available and would be ready to go from the start having retired from international duty recently.
3. Keylor Navas
Keylor Navas of Paris Saint-Germain salutes the fans for his match with PSG after the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between FC Metz and Paris Saint-Germain at Stade Saint-Symphorien on May 19, 2024 in Metz, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier – PSG/PSG via Getty Images)
Keylor Navas could be a potential option to join Barcelona despite his ties to the rivals Real Madrid. The 37-year-old is a free agent currently after finishing his contract with Paris Saint-German last season. He has spent five years with Los Blancos from 2014 to 2019 before joining PSG.
The Costa Rican will be willing to join Barcelona if he is assured to be a regular and salary won’t be an issue as he is eager to play football. Navas has already turned down several approaches as he wants to make a move where he will be the first choice.
Naves has an impressive trophy cabinet having won three consecutive Champions League titles with Los Blancos before topping Ligue 1 with PSG three times. If he joins Barca then he has to adapt to the hectic club’s schedule he had played only a handful of games for PSG last season.
4. Wojciech Szczęsny
Wojciech Szczesny of Poland applauds during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between France and Poland at Football Stadium Dortmund (Signal Iduna Park). Final score: France 1:1 Poland. (Photo by Mikolaj Barbanell/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Wojciech Szczesny terminated his contract with Juventus back in August and finally hung up his boots in the summer despite getting offers from Saudi Arabia. The 34-year-old is still a free agent and could come out of retirement to join Barcelona and help them out in their hour of need.
Szczesny started his career as a keeper at Arsenal then spent a couple of years at Roma and then represented Juventus for the seven seasons. The keeper has earned 252 caps so far for the Old Lady and most recently he started for the Poland side between the posts at Euro 2024.
The stopper is even close to his international teammate Robert Lewandowski which might serve to persuade him to join Barca if Catalans decide to make a move.
5. Álvaro Valles
Alvaro Valles of UD Las Palmas looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Getafe CF and UD Las Palmas at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on March 02, 2024 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Alvaro Valles seems like a long-term plan for Barcelona but he currently plays for Las Palmas and won’t be available before January. He has been quite impressive this season in La Liga and might prove worth signing in the winter transfer window.
The 26-year-old has proven to be promising with good displays such as his reflexes and especially good shot-stopping which may make him a decent fit for ter Stegen. Currently, he has not featured in any of the matches due to his unresolved renewal negotiations. The situation has got Barca’s eyes and are considering him a solid option.
Other options and long term plan
The other goalkeepers Barcelona are monitoring include Stole Dimitrievski, Guillaume Restes, and Mio Backhaus but like Valles, they won’t be available before January.
Barcelona’s goalkeeper conundrum presents both immediate challenges and long-term considerations. While Iñaki Peña is likely to get a chance to prove himself, the club will need to evaluate whether he can provide the stability required for the remainder of the season. If not, free-agent options like Claudio Bravo or Keylor Navas could serve as temporary solutions until January, when more options may become available.
As Barcelona continue their push for silverware the goalkeeper position will be crucial. Whether they stick with Pena or bring in an experienced veteran, the decision made in the coming weeks could define their season.
However, the club seems like they will be providing Inaki Pena a chance to prove himself. If in the coming months, Pena performs well and meets expectations the club will hold the fort until the transfer window reopens in January.
Barcelona faces a dilemma after Ter Stegen’s injury. Should they rely on Inaki Pena or seek a free-agent goalkeeper like Navas, Bravo, or Szczesny? Check out each player’s signing possibilities. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
