AliousFC Barcelona have faced turbulence in their goalkeeping ranks since the season kicked off, but they’re now approaching this position with a sense of calm and confidence moving forward.
Wojciech Szczesny, despite a wobbly start, has settled into a stellar groove, cementing his role as the undisputed starter under Hansi Flick’s management.
His form has been so impressive that it’s almost certain he’ll extend his contract, sticking with the Blaugrana beyond the current campaign—exactly the stability Flick could have hoped for.
At the same time, Marc-André ter Stegen is putting in serious effort to reclaim his spot before this season wraps up.
All signs point to him returning to full fitness by the start of the next term, giving Barcelona a reliable option in goal.
With both Szczesny and Ter Stegen in the fold, the club isn’t scrambling to address this area anytime soon. This newfound peace of mind lets them take a more measured look at potential market options without pressure.
According to SPORT, one goalkeeper catching Barcelona’s eye is Bart Verbruggen, a 22-year-old Dutch talent who shone in the recent UEFA Nations League quarter-final between Spain and the Netherlands.
He’s quickly establishing himself as one of Europe’s brightest young prospects between the posts. However, with Ter Stegen and Szczesny locked in for this season and the next, any move for Verbruggen would likely be deferred to 2026.
Verbruggen checks all the boxes for Barcelona’s needs. His towering frame helps him command his area, while his comfort with the ball at his feet aligns perfectly with the club’s possession-based philosophy.
His rapid development suggests he’s on track to become a top-tier goalkeeper in the near future. Beyond his international performances, he’s also been turning heads at Brighton, his current club.
That said, prising him away won’t be straightforward—his contract runs until 2028, and the Premier League outfit won’t let him go without a hefty fee.
Barcelona aren’t stopping at Verbruggen, though. They’ve also kept tabs on two promising Ligue 1 keepers:
Lucas Chevalier and Marcin Bulka. Like Verbruggen, these youngsters bring youth and potential to the table, making them intriguing long-term prospects for the Catalan giants. With their current goalkeeping situation under control, the club can afford to play the long game, carefully weighing their options for the future.
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