As the summer transfer window starts to take form, Barcelona is struck with the thought of Financial Fair Play and a financial approach to their recruitment strategy for this summer window.
They have been charged with navigating this situation regarding their veteran goalkeeper, but are not ready to turn to the transfer market to bring in a new shot-stopper.
The concerns about the number of goalkeepers in the squad and the possibility of having to replace their current goalie have led to Financial Fair Play implications and ,consequently, a reliance on the youth ranks to address potential issues, as reported by Diario Sport.
Barcelona has identified four young goalkeepers: Diego Kochen, Ander Astralaga, Aron Yaakobishvili, and Iker Rodriguez, intending to potentially play one of them in goal as a replacement for Szczesny should that scenario take place
Kochen, who performs well for the youth team, is in line to be promoted if Szczesny does leave.
Astralaga is the club’s fourth keeper and is highly coveted by many.
He is likely to be primed to become the next starter for Barca next summer, when many experts expect Szczesny to depart the club.
Yaakobishvili is a highly touted Hungarian keeper performing at the reserve level and Youth League for Barca. It is expected he will most likely go out on loan for experience.
Rodriguez is the other goalie being watched closely for promotion.
He is stylistically similar to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, which is always valuable in finding a successor.
Barcelona’s commitment to their youth academy demonstrates a pragmatic approach to building a squad amidst their financial challenges.
The club wants to remain competitive, whilst also developing future stars, hence opting for potential future stars already in the Barcelona system.
It is up to Szczesny to sift through the final decision for the goalkeeping spot in the team hierarchy, but Barcelona’s updates and surveillance of these prospects give them options.
Ultimately, as the season unfolds, the showing of Kochen, Astralaga, Yaakobishvili, and Rodriguez will be critical in assessing who, if anyone, can land a spot on the first group or continue to develop.
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