With the latest report from Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona (Barcelona) is facing a crisis in the goalkeeper position triggered by an unexpected injury to Ter Stegen. In order to cope with this unexpected situation, and to ensure the long-term stability of the team, Barcelona has begun to actively search for suitable candidates in the goalkeeper market.
Short-term contingency: free agent goalkeepers
Considering the team's current financial situation and immediate playing needs, Barcelona's priority was to find a goalkeeper who could quickly integrate into the team without the need for a large transfer fee. Free agents such as Szczesny, Navas, Edgar Badia and Masip thus entered Barcelona's vision. These players are not only familiar with La Liga, but can also fill the void left by Ter Stegen in a short period of time, providing the team with stable goalkeeper security.
Long-term planning: Diogo Costa and Mamardashvili
However, for Barcelona, it is clear that solving short-term problems is not enough. They also needed a long-term plan for the team's future, especially in the key position of goalkeeper. As a result, Porto's Diogo Costa and Valencia's (on loan to Liverpool) Mardashvili have become long-term targets for Barcelona.
Diogo Costa has earned high praise from Barcelona's sporting department for his excellent reaction time, strong aerial ability and solid play. Despite his price tag of 45 million euros and Porto's usually high transfer asking price, Barcelona still consider him an ideal candidate to replace Ter Stegen. However, given the team's financial situation, Barcelona may have to wait until next year or even later to officially launch transfer talks for Diogo Costa.
On the other hand, Mamardashvili is also one of Barcelona's concerns. As a young goalkeeper of only 23 years old, he has already shown his strength and potential in La Liga and Champions League. Although Liverpool has already signed him and loaned him back to Valencia, Barcelona is still keeping a close eye on him and is ready to bring him in at the right time.
Ter Stegen's injury and future
Ter Stegen's injury has certainly dealt a huge blow to Barcelona. According to reports, his recovery period could be as long as a year, which undoubtedly brings great uncertainty to the team's goalkeeper position. Therefore, Barcelona must make a decision as soon as possible to ensure that the team will be able to maintain a stable performance during Ter Stegen's absence and be fully prepared for his return.
