The FC Barcelona is currently monitoring various alternatives in the goalkeeper market. Despite Iñaki Peña gradually improving his level of play and potentially gaining confidence, and considering that Marc-Andre ter Stegen will return from his injury for the next season, the Culés are clear that they would like to have another goalkeeper in their squad. They are looking for a goalkeeper who combines quality and youth to reinforce the goal not only in the short term but also with an eye on the future.
In light of this, one of the names that seems to be on Barcelona's agenda is LOSC Lille goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier, a 23-year-old goalkeeper who has stood out as one of the best 'guardians' in Ligue 1 and is gradually gaining more recognition at a European level.
Chevalier backs up his reputation with solid statistics: he has kept five clean sheets in Ligue 1, with an average of 3.3 saves per game (77%) and an average of 2.16 goals prevented per match, positioning him among the best goalkeepers in the local competition. Additionally, in the UEFA Champions League, he is the goalkeeper with the highest percentage of goals prevented (3.42), playing a crucial role in LOSC Lille's current campaign in the continental tournament. These achievements have earned him his first call-up to the French national team for this November 2024 international break.
Lucas Chevalier could be open to changing clubs soon
From the 'Les Bleus' training camp, Chevalier has hinted at the possibility of a career change by suggesting that he may consider leaving LOSC Lille, although he is under contract until 2027. "We are in a very large nation, all the players play in very big European clubs. Lille is a very big European club, but there are steps above. It is true that when you play in very big clubs, you have bigger shows. And you are watched more, you have more demands," started the native of Calais.
In addition, Chevalier acknowledged that to establish himself in the French national team, he must continue to perform well, but a transfer to an internationally renowned club could be key to strengthening his position in the battle for the starting spot, currently held by Mike Maignan of AC Milan. "It is true that the number 1 spot depends on a very good club. You have to have that lucidity and work as well," added the French goalkeeper.
Will Barcelona consider attempting to sign Lucas Chevalier?
Now it will be necessary to evaluate whether now that Chevalier has opened the door to his departure from LOSC Lille, Barcelona decides to explore the option of making an offer for him, either this summer or in the future. At this point, it is important to remember two aspects: the price of Lucas, which could be within a reasonable range for the Blaugrana team, given that apparently the 'Dogos' would not be willing to let him go for less than €40 million.
It is also worth considering whether Barcelona ultimately decides to focus its interest on him, as beyond Chevalier, other names have been mentioned on the Barcelona's agenda, such as Diogo Costa from Porto, Bart Verbruggen from Brighton & Hove Albion, and Marcin Bułka from OGC Nice, who is also making a name for himself in Ligue 1. Moreover, it is true that the French goalkeeper is also being tracked by other clubs on the continent, which could complicate the option of signing him if another club makes an offer attractive enough for LOSC Lille and the player.