FC Barcelona have paid dearly for their 5-1 away win against Villarreal. After the long-term absence of first-choice keeper and captain Marc-André ter Stegen, the question of a possible replacement arises.
After the next landslide victory, Hansi Flick had already outlined the worst-case scenario. On Monday, the devastating diagnosis followed: Marc-André ter Stegen has torn a tendon in his patella – and will be out for months. The dream start in La Liga (six games, six wins, 22:5 goals) was severely dampened.
The joy at the surprisingly clear 5-1 win at Villarreal was not felt. The question of an alternative plan was, however. It is doubtful whether those in charge really have confidence in Inaki Pena (13 La Liga appearances so far), who came on for ter Stegen.
Various names of out-of-contract goalkeepers are already circulating in the Spanish media, and the Catalans could contact them soon. For example, there is Keylor Navas (37), who would be one of the most prominent solutions after his final departure from Paris. Jordi Masip (35, with a Barcelona past) and Tomas Vaclik (35, 71 La Liga games for Sevilla) are also considered potential candidates.
Meanwhile, another brought himself into play. “If Barcelona calls me, I’ll come,” Claudio Bravo told Winwin with regard to ter Stegen’s injury. At the end of August, the now 41-year-old keeper had actually ended his active career. But Barcelona would consider his retirement from retirement.
Memories of 2014/15 come flooding back
From 2014 to 2016, Bravo was already under contract in Catalonia – and, as a partner of ter Stegen, won the treble of the league, cup and Champions League in 2015. In La Liga, Bravo (37 appearances) was first choice, while ter Stegen was in the Copa and the Champions League.
But given the difficulties Barcelona have in registering players, can they even sign a replacement for ter Stegen? La Liga president Javier Tebas already gave the green light on Monday. At the “Forum Europa”, the 62-year-old explained: “Barcelona can sign a player to replace ter Stegen, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a goalkeeper.” This is allowed under the regulations for long-term injuries.
