FC Barcelona is looking for a goalkeeper to replace Marc-André ter Stegen, who hasn't been in his best form due to injuries. Although Joan García from RCD Espanyol and Diogo Costa from Porto were mentioned, Barça's focus seems to have shifted. Who will occupy Barça's goal? According to the latest reports, the favorite is Lucas Chevalier, a young goalkeeper from LOSC Lille.
A Shift in Focus: Joan García Loses Ground
Joan García has been considered one of the great promises in RCD Espanyol's goalkeeping. At just 23 years old, he is the most valuable player in the "perica" squad, and his performance doesn't go unnoticed.
He currently ranks fourth in the Zamora classification, with an average of 1.44 goals conceded per game. Despite his good numbers, Barça's interest in him has waned in favor of another goalkeeper: Lucas Chevalier.
García has a base price of 10 million euros and a clause of 30 million, an attractive figure for Barça and other major clubs. However, his future at Espanyol is still uncertain, as the club could lose its star if an interesting offer comes in.
Lucas Chevalier, Barça's New Bet
Lucas Chevalier, goalkeeper for LOSC Lille, has emerged as one of the main options for Barça. At 25 years old, the Frenchman has proven to be one of the best goalkeepers in Ligue 1.
In the current season, he has played 35 of his team's 38 matches, with 10 clean sheets and only 37 goals conceded. His performance hasn't gone unnoticed, and Deco, Barça's sporting director, has started to follow him closely.
Chevalier's future seems to be linked to a possible departure from Lille next transfer market. Although his contract extends until 2027, his release clause is 40 million euros, a considerable figure but not insurmountable for a club like Barcelona. Deco is willing to negotiate with Lille to facilitate the goalkeeper's arrival in the Catalan city.
Chevalier's Profile: A Goalkeeper with Great Potential
With his youth and skills, Lucas Chevalier is considered the new "Víctor Valdés" by many. His ability to command the defense and his excellent reading of the game make him a goalkeeper with great potential.
Unlike other candidates, Chevalier is clear that if he decides to make the leap to Barça, it must be to play as a starter. This would mean that Ter Stegen would move to the bench, while Wojciech Szczęsny, who has also been on Barça's radar, would leave the club.