Barça faces the difficult task of finding a successor to Ter Stegen, who's been Barça's goalkeeper for several seasons. With options such as Iñaki Peña ruled out, Barça has decided on Szczęsny, but there are other leading candidates for the future. Each of them represents a different solution for the team's future, depending on Barça's priorities and needs.
Mike Maignan: from Milan to Barça
AC Milan's current goalkeeper Mike Maignan is one of the most established options to replace Ter Stegen. The Frenchman's proven to be one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, both due to his reaction skills and his leadership in the goal area. Mike Maignan has led Milan to compete at the highest level in Serie A and the Champions League, consolidating himself as a top-level goalkeeper.
In addition to his quality between the posts, Mike Maignan stands out for his footwork, essential in Barça's system. At 29, the French goalkeeper is in the prime of his career, which makes him a safe bet for the future of the Barça goal.
Diogo Costa: Youth and Projection for the Future
Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa is one of the brightest prospects in European soccer. At 25, he's already the undisputed starter for his club and the Portuguese national team. Costa is known for his agility and ability to make decisive saves at key moments, which has caught the attention of big clubs, including Barça.
Although signing Diogo Costa wouldn't be easy due to the high price that Porto could ask for, Barça sees him as a long-term investment. His youth and potential make him an attractive option to secure the goal for the next decade.
Joan García: the Domestic Option
Joan García, currently the RCD Espanyol goalkeeper, is another option that Barça has on their radar. Although less experienced than Maignan and Costa, García has shown that he has the potential to become a top-level goalkeeper. At just 23 years old, he's already been a protagonist in several performances with Espanyol, showing his confidence between the posts and his good reading of the game.
The fact that Joan García is already familiar with La Liga and his lower cost compared to other options makes him an interesting alternative for the Catalan club. In addition, his youth allows him room to grow and develop within the team.