Another Barcelona goalkeeper says goodbye as summer clear-out continues | OneFootball

While there were no doubts about the starting status of Joan Garcia, especially after his excellent performances in his first season in the Blaugrana shirt, the last few days have still brought a significant amount of clarity on the goalkeeping position at FC Barcelona.

The Catalans have already confirmed the departure of one goalkeeper who was not a part of Hansi Flick’s plans for the next season, i.e., Inaki Pena, who returned from his loan from Elche, and has now joined the Greek side Panathinaikos for €3 million.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are also looking for a new club for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who also returned from his loan at Girona, and who also is not a part of Flick’s plans. He is reportedly enjoying interest from Ajax, but there has not been any offer made for him yet.

Yet another goalkeeper who returned from a loan, from Granada, this summer is Ander Astralaga. However, this return is not going to mean a lot, as MARCA reports that his time at the club is almost over, as his contract is ending on 30th June, and he would leave Barcelona on that date.

The goalie, who spent the last eight years at the Catalan club, published a farewell message on his social media, which went as follows:

“Eight years ago, I arrived at Barcelona as a child, hoping that one day this could become my profession. Today I leave with memories that that little boy could never have imagined. Growing up at La Masia, wearing the shirt of such a special club, and sharing a dressing room with some of the best players in the world has been a true privilege.”

“Above all, I’m taking the people with me. Teammates, coaches, club staff, and friends I have grown up alongside, who made these years an unforgettable chapter of my life. The friendships I’ve made along the way are, without a doubt, the most valuable gift I’m leaving with. Thank you to FC Barcelona and to everyone who was part of this beautiful journey. I truly enjoyed every moment of it. See you soon.”

Having joined from Athletic Club back in 2018, Ander Astralaga progressed through the ranks at La Masia, and ultimately made his way to the first team. He was regularly called up, by both Xavi Hernandez and Hansi Flick, as third-choice goalkeeper, even though he never got to play any minutes on the pitch with the first team.

It remains to be seen what his next destination after leaving Barcelona would be, but hopefully, wherever he goes, he would have a successful career at the top level.