Barcelona academy talent on his way out as club prepare for new loan or buy-back solution | OneFootball

Barcelona had a very crowded goalkeeping situation to manage early in the summer transfer window, but Deco has done a great job of clearing out the deadwood.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has joined Ajax on loan, and the likes of Inaki Pena, Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen have all found new homes this summer.

This leaves Hansi Flick with Joan Garcia as his starting goalkeeper and Wojciech Szczesny as his back-up, with no clear third-choice goalkeeper identified.

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, one of the candidates for that position, Aron Yaakobishvili, looks likely to leave Barça before the window closes.

Yaakobishvili wants regular minutes

The 20-year-old goalkeeper does not want to spend the season as Flick’s third-choice option behind the aforementioned duo.

Yaakobishvili (R) on his way out. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images for DFB)

The Hungarian international returned from a productive loan spell at Andorra and began pre-season with the first team, but his long-term objective has not changed.

Yaakobishvili wants to play consistently, preferably in La Liga, rather than remain on the bench for most of the season.

Barcelona understand that position and are prepared to facilitate another loan. This is a marked change from their stance until a few days ago to keep him in the first team.

A permanent transfer with a buy-back clause is also being considered, which would allow the club to protect their long-term interest in the goalkeeper.

Pini Zahavi presence could accelerate talks

The presence of agent Pini Zahavi in Barcelona could help accelerate talks over the goalkeeper’s future.

Yaakobishvili renewed his contract until 2028 last year, and it is clear that Barça have a lot of faith in his potential.

Yaakobishvili spent the last season on loan at Andorra. (Picture credit: X/@fcandorra)

The priority is development rather than making a profit in case of a sale, and the Catalan club need to find the right home for him.

His pre-season performances have only reinforced the belief that he needs meaningful minutes. The goalkeeper featured against Birmingham City and saved two penalties in the shootout.

Barcelona are already planning beyond him

Barcelona are also preparing for the possibility of Yaakobishvili leaving by reorganising the third-goalkeeper role.

Eder Aller and Iker Rodriguez are expected to rotate between first-team involvement and Barça Atletic, ensuring both continue receiving competitive minutes rather than sitting permanently behind the senior pair.

Several potential destinations for Yaakobishvili have already disappeared, with Racing Santander, Sevilla, Levante and Mallorca all resolving their goalkeeping situations.

That means Barcelona now need to find the right opportunity rather than simply any exit. It remains to be seen where the young Hungarian plays next season.