The five goalkeepers that FC Barcelona could sign to replace Ter Stegen

If there is one team that has been relentlessly hit by injuries in this 2024/25 season, it is FC Barcelona. The team under Hansi Flick, who before the match against Villarreal CF (1-5), had a total of seven injured players in the infirmary, suffered a devastating blow during the match against the 'Yellow Submarine': the injury to their star goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen.

This setback, after seeing the shocking images showing the battered state of his right knee, foreshadows a bleak outlook, with rumors suggesting a patellar tendon injury in the right knee. A physical mishap that would keep him off the pitch for approximately seven to eight months, thus missing the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

It's a really painful image to see! 😰

This was the moment when Ter Stegen got injured#LALIGAenDAZN ⚽ pic.com/nma760XpjO

— DAZN Spain (@DAZN_ES) September 22, 2024

This is perhaps the most discouraging scenario for FC Barcelona, which at this point is considering three possible scenarios. The first involves trusting Iñaki Peña and giving him the starting position for the rest of the season, as was the case last season when the Alicante-born goalkeeper replaced Ter Stegen in 17 matches, supported by the two great goalkeepers from the academy, Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen.

FC Barcelona could turn to the free-agent market to sign an emergency replacement for Ter Stegen

The second scenario involves immediately turning to the free-agent market. How is this possible? After Ter Stegen's injury, which is estimated to be more than four months, FC Barcelona can avail of article 77, which allows them to use 80% of the injured player's salary and 2% of the team's salary cap to bring in an emergency replacement for the German. However, at this point, the only condition is that, as it is not the winter or summer transfer window, they can only acquire a player who is currently not linked to any team. From FCBN, we present some interesting options in free agency that Barça can explore:

Keylor Navas

In this context, the name of Keylor Navas stands out, the former star goalkeeper of Real Madrid who is currently without a club after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended. At 37 years old, the Costa Rican is a highly experienced option, with a significant career in LaLiga clubs, where he proved to be a very solid goalkeeper both at Real Madrid (162 matches) and Levante (70).

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his recent inactivity, it is clear that if he regains his usual form, he could be a good alternative for both the second and first goalkeeper positions. Keylor Navas is known for his cat-like reflexes, notable jumping and stretching abilities, as well as being skilled with the ball at his feet. Additionally, it is important to note that he could be an affordable option in terms of salary.

Edgar Badía

Speaking of free agents and considering another option with experience in LaLiga, we find Edgar Badía. The Barcelona-born goalkeeper is known for being the guardian of the goal at Elche for a considerable time (163 matches), as well as at Real Zaragoza (18 matches) and Reus Deportiu (194). He has recently terminated his contract with Elche.

During his time in the Spanish First Division, Badía proved to be a reliable goalkeeper despite not being part of one of the strongest teams in LaLiga. He is a viable option to reinforce the goal, bringing experience at a reasonable cost. Although not very tall at 1.78 meters, he stands out for his good positioning, allowing him to make crucial interventions. Additionally, he has the ability to react quickly to shots directed at the lower corners of the goal.

Tomás Vaclík

Another variant to consider is Tomás Vaclík, who is also a free agent and, like the aforementioned, has experience in LaLiga after his time at Sevilla (94 matches). He would arrive as a seasoned alternative with match fitness, having recently played for Albacete (12 matches in the 2023/24 season).

He is an effective goalkeeper in one-on-one situations, with good reflexes and an excellent ability to anticipate. His height of 1.89 meters allows him to cover a large part of the goal. Another attractive and cost-effective option.

Sergio Rico

Last but not least, there is the option of Sergio Rico, a compelling choice but with a degree of uncertainty. The Seville-born goalkeeper, who recently left Paris Saint-Germain, suffered a serious accident on May 28, 2023, which has kept him away from the field for a considerable time, with his last match played on May 7, 2022. In what condition would the '1' arrive to compete?

It is known that Sergio Rico, 31 years old and with extensive LaLiga experience with Sevilla (170 matches), could be a quality reinforcement, a goalkeeper with excellent reflexes, great stretching ability, providing security and valuable leadership, essential in any team. Like the options mentioned earlier, he would arrive as an affordable alternative.

The third scenario: signing a goalkeeper in winter

Regarding the third scenario that FC Barcelona could consider, it would be to wait until the winter market of 2025 to try to sign a goalkeeper. Who would be the most attractive option in the market at this moment? Undoubtedly, Álvaro Valles stands out.

The Andalusian was one of the standout goalkeepers of the 2023/24 season, defending the goal for UD Las Palmas. Despite attempting a move to Real Betis during the summer transfer window of the 2024/25 season, the transfer did not materialize. As a result, Las Palmas has decided to exclude him from the squad, suggesting they may be willing to let him go in winter.

FC Barcelona could bring in a goalkeeper with excellent reflexes, skills in one-on-one situations, and a remarkable ability to stretch, both low and high. It would be a reliable alternative, but the price that the Canaries would ask for him could be decisive, considering the value the goalkeeper has gained recently.