Hansi Flick could push Barcelona to sign Stefan Ortega after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s serious injury left them short in the position.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona are searching for a viable solution to solve their goalkeeping problem after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury. Hansi Flick could push for the signing of Manchester City’s backup keeper Stefan Ortega ahead of the January window to solve their issues.
Barcelona were dealt a massive blow after first-choice stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a potential season-ending knee injury during the win over Villarreal. The Blaugrana have maintained their 100% record in La Liga this season, and losing Germany’s newest No.1 will create an imbalance of sorts.
Hansi Flick certainly has some ideas on how we want to address the problem, as an emergency goalkeeping signing will be something they will think about. They have Inaki Pena as their second choice option. But there are some doubts about whether he can act as their No.1 choice for a concerted period in the absence of Ter Stegen.
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas is reportedly open to joining Barcelona on a Bosman move, and he could be an option. Alternatively, the Catalans could opt to wait until January to sign a permanent keeper and bring about a change to their goalkeeping department.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen is considered a target, while there are some high-profile names like Alisson Becker and Mike Maignan also mentioned as options. The latter duo are unlikely to move in January, as they will have to make a considerable bid next summer to get one of those stars, as there are persistent doubts about their financial ability to get either of those names.
Hansi Flick likes Stefan Ortega
One formidable option that Barcelona could explore in January is Stefan Ortega, with the Manchester City backup player eager to make a mark as a regular first choice. Amid Ederson Moraes’s presence, the 31-year-old is unlikely to convince Pep Guardiola to make him the No.1 choice. Moreover, with the ter Stegen injured, Ortega might also dream of taking the main spot in the German national side.
Flick might push Barcelona to sign Ortega from Manchester City in the January window, as he does represent a mid-to-long-term option for their goalkeeping problems. Moreover, he could be someone financially achievable, while the lure to become Barcelona’s No.1 will undoubtedly appeal the German over sitting on the bench and waiting for his chance under Guardiola.
