Barcelona director Deco reveals surprising transfer plans

Barcelona will not sign a long-term replacement for Marc-Andre Ter Stegen in 2025, according to sporting director Deco.

The German shot-stopper is out injured for the season, though there are faint hopes that he could return ahead of schedule similar to Thibaut Courtois at Real Madrid last term.

Earlier this season, Ter Stegen suffered an injury one Spanish doctor termed ‘worse than an ACL tear,’ forcing Barcelona into bringing Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement to act as a new No.2 behind Inaki Pena.

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Due to the severity of Ter Stegen’s injury, there is no guarantee that the 32-year-old will be the same upon his return and this has, unsurprisingly, given rise to speculation that Barcelona will look to sign a long-term replacement for the goalkeeper next year.

Ligue 1 goalkeepers such as Lucas Chevalier and Marcin Bulka of Lille and Nice, respectively, have been linked with the Catalans, the latter even confirming that there was interest from the club. Porto superstar Diogo Costa has also been heavily associated with Barcelona.

Barca won’t sign a goalkeeper

However, Deco has now set the record straight on the rumours. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the sporting director revealed that Barcelona will not look to sign a goalkeeper next year as long as everything goes to plan regarding Ter Stegen’s recovery.

Asked if he was looking for a replacement, the Portuguese responded: “No. Marc still has three years left on his contract, he’s young for a goalkeeper, 32, and we have to focus on him recovering well and coming back in good shape.

“That’s why having two goalkeepers who can guarantee us is important, so we’re not in a hurry for him to come back. We’re analysing it little by little, I don’t think it’s something we need to consider now.”

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“First of all,” Deco said when quizzed specifically about Costa, “he’s not an option because we have Ter Stegen. I don’t watch any goalkeepers right now because when Marc is fit we’re not going to sign anyone to replace him. Also, if I were Diogo I don’t know if I would come to Barcelona to be a substitute.

“We’re not considering signing him and if I were in his place I would want to go to a club where I knew I was going to play. We’re happy with the goalkeepers we have right now. I wish him luck and, first and foremost, that he has success with Porto.”