FC Barcelona has focused on resolving the status of the three goalkeepers who will feature next season.
Last summer the club invested strategically in Joan García, establishing him as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for both the present and future. This summer, the sporting management aimed to ease the congestion caused by multiple goalkeepers returning from loans.
Sporting director Deco has reportedly completed the majority of the work to manage this goalkeeping surplus. The most complex case was Marc-André ter Stegen’s situation. Although his contract runs until summer 2028, head coach Hansi Flick excluded him from his plans. An agreement was reached for his loan move to Ajax Amsterdam, managed by Michel who worked with Ter Stegen last season at Girona. Tax issues that had delayed the deal were recently resolved, and his arrival in Amsterdam is expected at the start of next week. Ter Stegen played 45 minutes against Como but is unlikely to join the Barcelona squad for their training camp in England.
Iñaki Peña completed his long spell with Barcelona, having spent 14 years at the club. After a solid loan at Elche, he transferred to Greek club Panathinaikos for around 3 million euros. Peña has already made his competitive debut, playing the full match in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Hungary’s Paksi.
Ander Astralaga, who joined Barcelona’s ranks in 2018 and was loaned to Granada, did not have his contract renewed. His eight-year association with Barcelona ended as he signed for Atlético Madrid’s reserve team until 2028. Although never playing officially for Barcelona’s first team, Astralaga featured in a friendly against Manchester City.
Young Hungarian goalkeeper Jako began preseason training with Barcelona’s first team after an Andorra loan spell. However, both player and club seem to favor another loan to gain regular minutes. Clubs such as Racing Santander, Levante, and Real Mallorca are reported to be interested.
Furthermore, 20-year-old American Diego Costa has been loaned to Danish side Lyngby Boldklub until summer 2027, which includes a buy option around 1.5 million euros. Barcelona retains 40% of any future sale value if ownership is transferred.
Currently, Joan García holds the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper spot, with Szczęsny as backup under a contract lasting until next summer. The club is finalizing the role of third goalkeeper between promising La Masia talent Íker Rodríguez (born 2008) and Eder Aller. An alternative under consideration is signing an experienced keeper such as Álex Remiro to compete with Szczęsny.
With most uncertainties settled, Barcelona’s goalkeeping department is clearer, though the transfer window remains open for over a month and further developments remain possible.
