Barca's five-keeper summer transfer shortlist

11 Feb 2022 13:29 GMT
3 min read

Meslier to Real Madrid? Leeds star’s agent addresses rumour — © ProShots

Barcelona may be linked with transfers for leading stars such as Erling Haaland next summer, but head coach Xavi is seeking to quietly strengthen other areas of the squad, too.

One area in which Barca wish to improve is that of backup goalkeeper.

Article continues under the video

There is no prospect of Marc-Andre ter Stegen losing his position as first choice, but who his deputy will be is far less clear.

Mundo Deportivo reports that there are five goalkeepers in the running for the position at present.

Leading the way is Sevilla goalkeeper Bono, whose Spanish nationality plus experience of La Liga would help him integrate into the club most quickly.

Equally, they are studying a couple of young French goalkeeper. Ilan Meslier has won critical acclaim for his performances with Leeds in the Premier League, while Nantes goalkeeper Alban Lafont has been playing well in Ligue 1 and has previously turned out with Fiorentina.

Poland international Bartlomiej Dragowski, who is now Fiorentina’s first choice, and up-and-coming Genk shot-stopper Maarten Vandevoordt complete he shortlist.

Barcelona are unlikely to make a decision early on any of these players. They will assess their performances and personalities between now and the end of the campaign, while it is also possible that Inaki Pena returns after his loan with Galatasaray and acts as a back-up option.

Pena has been promised opportunities in Turkey, and should he gain them, he will have a strong prospect of taking on the role as backup goalkeeper on a permanent basis.

Why do Barca want a new goalkeeper?

Barcelona are set to move for another goalkeeper this summer because Neto, whose contract runs un 2023, is judged to be on too high a salary for his status.

Barca’s financial position is known to be tight and their wage bill will have to be smartly managed if they are to add the type of star calibre that they are seeking in the summer. There have been no complaints about his professionalism or performance.