It is probably perceived as somewhat more precarious for the newly crowned league champions Barcelona to solve their “goalkeeper problem” than for their biggest rival Real Madrid.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is asking sporting director Deco to sign a goalkeeper who has the capacity to step into a first-choice goalkeeper role in case it becomes necessary.
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There is a lot to defend next season and Real Madrid and others are not idle, it is necessary to strengthen one of the team’s most vulnerable positions: the goal. With the need to plan for the future and given the doubts surrounding Marc-André ter Stegen’s performance after his injury, the sports management has set their sights on Lucas Chevalier, Lille’s current goalkeeper and one of the most promising talents in European football in that position.
The Catalan club, aware that the German goalkeeper’s time may be on the cards, has started to take steps to secure a reliable replacement. Although Ter Stegen has reclaimed his place between the sticks after his long absence, there is concern among the coaching staff and board about his long-term reliability. In addition, Wojciech Szczęsny, who was brought in as a temporary solution, is not seen as a long-term option.
Lucas Chevalier, FC Barcelona’s new goal
Chevalier, only 23 years old, has made his mark in Ligue 1 with performances and statistics that have attracted interest from several top clubs in Europe. At Barça, they see him as the ideal candidate: young, with character, able to take responsibility from day one, and at the same time with the potential to develop under Ter Stegen’s guidance.
But Barça are not alone in the hunt. Real Madrid have also shown interest in him as part of their plans to find a successor to Thibaut Courtois, which has caused Barça to move quickly to avoid a bidding war for his signature.
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At the same time, the future of Iñaki Peña is uncertain, and everything indicates that the club will invest in the youth department to supplement the rotation.
