Goalkeeper Crisis at Barcelona Becomes More Complicated

The goalkeeper position crisis at Barcelona is becoming more complicated as the summer transfer window approaches, with a large number of goalkeepers in the first team, which forces the management to make decisive decisions in the coming period.

The Spanish newspaper 'Sport' indicated that the changes that occurred after signing goalkeeper Juan Garcia a year ago prompted the club to reorganize the goalkeeper position, making it necessary to reduce the current list in preparation for the new season.

In this context, analyst Alex Delmas stressed the need to rely on a gradual renewal project in this position, with a reconsideration of the roles of the current goalkeepers within the team.

Delmas said that Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny should not occupy the second goalkeeper position, considering that Barcelona should rely on a young goalkeeper from the club's academy alongside the main goalkeeper Juan Garcia.

Despite praising Szczesny's experience in the dressing room, Delmas explained that his presence would only be beneficial in a supportive role, saying: "If Flick considers him important for the group or to help the development of the youth, he can remain as a third goalkeeper, but I think the second goalkeeper should be from the club's own players."

Delmas also called for the return of young goalkeeper Aaron Jakubshvili, currently on loan to Andorra, confirming that he is one of the names deserving a chance with the first team, especially after participating in 21 matches in the second division league.

On the other hand, discussions extended to the future of German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who is scheduled to return to Barcelona's training on July 1st after completing his loan with Girona, following his absence due to injury.

Despite his great value and history with the team, Delmas considered that the current phase requires a change, saying: "He has been an exceptional goalkeeper for Barcelona, but I think it's time to turn the page."

Ter Stegen has a contract with Barcelona that extends until 2028, but the Catalan club sees that his departure could help alleviate the financial burden on wages, while the management realizes the difficulty of finding a solution due to the player's desire to remain within the club.