Barcelona youngster’s decision to leave on loan in the summer paying rewards | OneFootball

The crowded goalkeeping department at FC Barcelona last summer forced sporting director Deco to make some cuts.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was not in Hansi Flick’s plans, was shipped out on loan to AFC Ajax, while Inaki Pena left permanently.

Youngster Aron Yaakobishvili, who had returned after a loan spell last season, departed on a loan stint again.

Meanwhile, Diego Kochen, who served as the third-choice goalkeeper in the first team and a starter for Barça Atletic last term, also had to look elsewhere to continue his development.

The young shot-stopper made 20 appearances for the reserve team last season and was included in 40 first-team matchday squads, but a lack of playing time meant a loan move was the logical solution.

As such, Kochen joined Lyngby Boldklub on loan with a clear objective: play regularly, accumulate minutes and gain valuable experience.

Kochen left Barça for Lyngby. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

That decision is already paying off. Kochen has established himself as Lyngby’s undisputed starter, playing all nine league matches so far and completing every minute.

That consistency has allowed him to become an important part of the Danish side, even earning him a spot Danish Superliga Team of the Week in early September.

International recognition

Not only that, Kochen’s performances have also attracted attention at international level.

Indeed, the La Masia starlet’s regular minutes and impressive performances in Denmark opened the door to the United States Men’s National Team, with manager Mauricio Pochettino including him in the squad for the current international break.

Things got even more memorable for Kochen as he made his international debut against Peru, playing 45 minutes for the USMNT.

Kochen made his USMNT debut vs Peru. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

It represents another significant step in a season that is providing an important boost to his career and could prove to be a turning point.

The loan conditions

Meanwhile, The agreement between Barcelona and Lyngby was completed as a loan deal that includes a €1.5 million purchase option.

For Barcelona, the arrangement allows Kochen to continue developing away from the pressure of competing for a place at the Camp Nou.

For the goalkeeper, it provides an opportunity to demonstrate every week that he is ready to take the next step.

So far, the numbers support his progress: nine appearances, nine starts and every available league minute played.

Kochen is therefore achieving the main objective behind his departure from Barcelona: playing regularly, gaining experience and developing.