Barcelona starlet could replace veteran stars in first-team squad next season after impressing on loan | OneFootball

While all the talk surrounding FC Barcelona’s transfer plans for 2026 revolves around the centre-back and the striker position, another department is set to undergo significant changes.

Indeed, the goalkeeping slot could be in for a makeover in the summer. Joan Garcia, going through an exceptional debut season, will continue as the No. 1, but the spot for the second-choice could very well be up for grabs.

Aron Yaakobishvili emerges as a strong contender

And, according to SPORT, Barcelona starlet Aron Yaakobishvili, currently on loan at Andorra, could be poised to become the second-choice goalkeeper next season.

As per the report, both Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczesny are seen as candidates for potential departures. That situation opens the debate over who could complete the goalkeeping group with Garcia.

And, Yaakobishvili, who is enjoying an outstanding season on loan at Andorra, has emerged as a strong contender.

At just 19 years of age, he has established himself as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for the club chaired by Gerard Pique.

Yaakobishvili could have a place in the Barça senior team. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)

Yaakobishvili’s numbers in La Liga Hypermotion stand out. He stands third in the entire division in terms of goals prevented per match, with an average of 3.03, and second with the best save percentage at 76.77%.

He is also the goalkeeper with the highest passing accuracy in the division, at 91.5%.

The loan move to Andorra has been highly beneficial for the teenager, allowing him to develop in a playing style that suits him, within a young team.

In fact, recent reports claimed that clubs from Germany and Italy are monitoring the situation of the Hungarian goalkeeper.

Barcelona are fully aware that in Yaakobishvili, they have a diamond being polished. For that reason, the club are closely monitoring his progress, with Bojan Krkic playing a key role in following his development and having attended some of his matches.

As such, Yaakobishvili is being seriously considered for next season and could compete with Diego Kochen for the role of second-choice goalkeeper.