In the next couple of years, Barcelona will need to address two key positions in their first team squad: goalkeeper and centre forward. The latter is more pressing given that Robert Lewandowski, who will be staying on at the club until the end of next season at least, is 36 years of age.
However, club officials also recognised that, sooner or later, they will need to address the goalkeeper situation too, although it is not expected to happen this summer because they will have Marc-Andre Ter Stegen back for the start of next season, while Inaki Pena is also under contract until 2026 – and even if he were to force an exit during the transfer window, there is an option for Wojciech Szczesny to continue for an additional 12 months.
It means that Barcelona have time to find the player that they want to compete with Ter Stegen, and eventually become his successor. Preparing for this, MD have reported that the club have drawn up the ideal profile that they want for their next goalkeeper signing.
Barcelona are looking for him to be a talented goalkeeper, although that goes without saying. They want someone that has great technical fundamentals between the posts, with the passing range to play it short and go route one when necessary. In addition, the intention is that the player who arrives is young enough to ensure that they are an option for many years.
The club is also keen for the signing in this department to be tall, and with a large wingspan. The preference is for a goalkeeper who is at least 1.90m so that he “fills” the goal, which would intimidate opponents and also ensure that he is good when dealing with crosses into the penalty area.
Someone that fits the bill in this regard is Joan Garcia, but given that Espanyol will make it as difficult as possible for their rivals to sign the 23-year-old, they may need to look elsewhere.
