Barcelona’s growing mess in key department is becoming impossible to ignore | OneFootball

While Barcelona continue to plan for the 2026/27 season and explore new signings, there is one issue the club can no longer afford to ignore, which is the growing chaos surrounding their goalkeeping department. 

At present, Barcelona are operating with three top-level goalkeepers in the first-team environment. 

Joan Garcia has emerged as a key figure, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains under contract and determined to defend his position. 

Alongside them is Wojciech Szczęsny, whose short-term future is less problematic, as the former Poland international would not oppose the club’s decision should Barcelona opt not to renew his contract beyond the current season.

There is a mess

As reported by SPORT, the real complication lies beneath the surface. 

Inaki Pena renewed his contract until 2027 before heading out on loan to Elche, and he is expected to return next summer. 

It is said that he could stay on as the second-choice goalkeeper, although strong offers are likely to arrive. A sale could benefit all parties, but no decision has been made.

Another returning name is Ander Astralaga, who moved on loan to Granada, where his minutes have been inconsistent. 

Barcelona currently have six goalkeepers under contract. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

With a contract with Barcelona until 2026, the club must now decide whether to arrange another loan or sell him altogether.

A similar case is that of Aron Yaakobishvili. The Hungarian has made a strong impression during his loan spell at FC Andorra, where he is an undisputed starter. 

Several European clubs are monitoring his progress, but Barcelona do not want to lose control of a goalkeeper they see as a long-term asset. 

Finally, there is Diego Kochen, currently with Barça Atletic. While he has been involved in first-team dynamics, minutes with the first team have not followed. 

With his time at the reserve level likely coming to an end, a loan move appears inevitable if the situation remains unresolved.

When all these cases are combined, Barcelona effectively have six goalkeepers under their control. 

That is an unsustainable number, and one that reflects poor planning rather than healthy depth.