Barcelona received a major blow on Sunday as goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen picked up a serious injury to his right knee.
Although an official diagnostic is yet to be out, reports suggest the German could be ruled out for seven to nine months. This essentially means the goalkeeper has been ruled out for the entire season.
With ter Stegen out, Barcelona now have a decision to make on whether or not they want to sign a new goalkeeper or simply rely on second-fiddle Inaki Pena.
Should the Blaugrana go after a new goalkeeper, there is no shortage of options available in the market. And here, at Barça Universal, we will take a look at three goalkeepers who are readily available as free agents.
Keylor Navas
One of the most experienced and highly regarded goalkeepers available, Keylor Navas, presents an intriguing yet controversial option.
Having won multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid, Navas boasts an exceptional pedigree and has shown time and again that he can perform under immense pressure.
His most recent stint at Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated that the Costa Rican still has what it takes to perform at the top level.
However, signing Navas would be scandalous for many Barça fans, considering his Real Madrid past.
But if Barcelona are looking for a goalkeeper with experience, class, and a winning mentality, there are few better options than Navas.
Edgar Badía
A less glamorous but sensible option is Edgar Badia. The Spanish goalkeeper has been a consistent performer for Elche, despite the club’s struggles in recent seasons.
Badia is known for his agility, sharp reflexes, and ability to make crucial saves in difficult situations. His association with Elche ended at the end of last season and he is not a free agent.
While Badia may not have the international pedigree of someone like Navas, he is quite familiar with Spanish football and has almost 200 appearances to his name in La Liga 2.
Badia’s familiarity with La Liga and his consistency between the posts could make him a dependable option for Barcelona. He is also less likely to stir controversy, making him a safer choice for the club.
Loris Karius
The final name on the list is Loris Karius, who has had a tumultuous career since his infamous performance in the 2018 Champions League final.
Since then, Karius has struggled to regain his form and has bounced between several clubs. His most recent spell came at Newcastle United, but he could only muster two appearances across two years.
However, he still offers physical presence and shot-stopping abilities, which could provide Barcelona with the depth they need in goal.
Karius represents a high-risk, high-reward scenario. While his reputation has taken a hit, he has the potential to rediscover his form if given the right environment.
For Barcelona, signing Karius would be a gamble, but one that could pay off if the German regains his confidence.
