Joan García is no longer on FC Barcelona's roadmap. The young Espanyol goalkeeper, who came very close to wearing the blaugrana jersey, is no longer in Deco's plans.
The sporting director has made a strategic decision: Ter Stegen's replacement must be more ambitious. At Camp Nou, they are looking for more than just a local promise.
Ter Stegen is under scrutiny
Marc-André ter Stegen remains the number one, but not the untouchable of other seasons. The injury that sidelined him for several months exposed the fragility of plan B, and although he has returned at a good level, no one guarantees that his performance will keep. Barça wants to get ahead of problems, not react when it's already too late.
Szczesny: A patch that doesn't convince everyone
Wojciech Szczesny is another name that has been on the table, his contract ends in June and Laporta wants him to stay, but there are doubts. He is 35 years old, and his signing wouldn't solve the future, it would only postpone it. Deco doesn't want to depend on a goalkeeper who is closer to retirement than to a new cycle.
Lucas Chevalier: The bet for the future
This is where Lucas Chevalier comes into play, Lille's goalkeeper, 23 years old, and one of the greatest promises in European soccer. It's not just a bet on youth. Chevalier has shown personality, reflexes, and composure in one of the continent's most demanding leagues.
He is tall, agile, and exudes confidence in every intervention, just what Barça needs to prepare the replacement calmly and without urgency. Deco is clear: he wants to incorporate him now, to share the locker room with Ter Stegen and soak up the environment. The idea is not to sign him as a permanent substitute, but as a natural replacement who competes without pressure, but with prominence.
Real Madrid closely follows him
Barça's interest in Chevalier is not exclusive, as Madrid is also watching him. The white club sees him as an option to cover themselves against Courtois's physical uncertainty. This forces Barça to move quickly; if they delay, the signing could turn into an auction.
Iñaki Peña and the youth academy: Not weighty in the plan
Meanwhile, Iñaki Peña continues to stall. The youth academy, although rich in talent, hasn't yet produced a goalkeeper ready for the leap. The club needs certainties, not waits.