Barcelona suffered another major loss to their side after the captain Marc-André ter Stegen he was ruled out for the next eight months after a horrific knee injury. While the Blaugrana may not be able to afford to replace Marc Bernal, Ter Stegen's much higher salary means the Blaugrana can seek a replacement using 80% of his wages due to the emergency injury rule.
Ter Stegen is likely out for most of the season, and Marco report that manager Hansi Flick and Director Sporting Deco met on Monday to discuss his next steps after the injury. They have come to the conclusion that they should act and bring in another goalkeeper, rather than relying solely on Inaki Pena and Ander Astralaga, as they did in Barcelona's admittedly shorter absence last season.
Claudio Bravo (former Barcelona goalkeeper): “Coming out of retirement to join Barça? If they call me, I will go.” Via @mundodeportivo
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 23, 2024
They also have to work out what kind of goalkeeper it will be, and although it is not excluded that they will wait until January to move, the intention is that they immediately bring an alternative to Pena. It could be a more experienced goalkeeper, or someone Barcelona already knows well who is without a team.
Deco will also have to work out how to convey this message to Pena. They had considered offering a contract extension to extend his deal beyond 2026, but bringing up the option would wide open the doors to his exit. If nothing else, because of the clear lack of faith in him.
It should be noted that former Barcelona goalkeepers Edgar Badia and Jordi Masip are both currently without a team, while Claudio Bravo proposed himself at the club from Monday, which involved coming out of retirement. Another option that has been mentioned is Alvaro Valles of Las Palmas, one of the best goalkeepers in Spain last season, but that would have to wait until January.
