Barcelona’s goalkeeping situation is unlikely to change too much ahead of next season. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has the backing of new manager and fellow German Hansi Flick, despite a disappointing 2023-24 season. Furthermore, Inaki Pena will continue as the backup option, unless he chooses to seek a move away.
Further down the pecking order, Barcelona have two top ‘keeper talents in and around the first team fold. Ander Astralaga was third-choice last season, and he also alternated with Marc Vidal as the starter for Barca Atletic.
For next season, he’s projected to continue in this role, although Sport say that Astralaga could be loaned out to get regular first team football at a Segunda club. That would leave Diego Kochen as the nailed-on starter for Barca Atletic in the First Federation.
It's not ruled out that Ander Astralaga could leave on loan. The other goalkeeper behind Ter Stegen and Iñaki Peña is Diego Kochen, who's highly regarded too, is expected to have more prominence at Barça Atlètic. @scapde_45
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 14, 2024
Kochen is also highly-rated within Barcelona, and some even see him as the best candidate to succeed Marc-Andre Ter Stegen when he steps aside in the coming years. Club bosses are aware that a successor will need to be chosen soon – for now, Astralaga and Kochen are placed well.
