An American teenager identified as a candidate to succeed Marc-Andre Ter Stegen at Barcelona
The situation of Barcelona's goalkeepers is unlikely to change too much before next season. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has the support of new manager and fellow German Hansi Flick, despite a disappointing 2023-24 season. In addition, Inaki Pena will continue as the backup option unless he chooses to seek a move away.
Furthermore, Barcelona has two top keeper talents in the first team circle. Ander Astralaga was third choice last season, and has also alternated with Marc Vidal as a starter for Barca Atletic.
For next season, he plans to continue in this role, however Sport say that Astralaga could be loaned to get regular first-team football in a Segunda club. That would leave Diego Kochen as the nailed-on starter for Barca Atletic in the Premier League.
It is not excluded that Ander Astralaga could leave on loan. The other goalkeeper behind Ter Stegen and Iñaki Peña is Diego Kochen, who is highly regarded as well, expected to have more prominence at Barça Atlètic. @scapde_45
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 14, 2024
Kochen is also very popular Barcelona, and some even see him as the best candidate to succeed Marc-Andre Ter Stegen when he steps aside in the coming years. The owners of the club are aware that a successor has to be chosen soon – for now, Astralaga and Kochen are well placed.
