Barcelona to battle Man City for leading candidate to replace Ter Stegen

Barcelona face a massive stumbling block in the shape of Manchester City in their bid to sign a permanent replacement for Marc Andre Ter Stegen.

Barcelona have reportedly identified their permanent replacement for Marc Andre Ter Stegen but will have to compete with Manchester City for his signature.

The Blaugrana in the goalkeeper market 

For the first time in years, Barcelona signed a senior first-team goalkeeper when they brought Szczesny out of retirement. 

Germany international Marc Andre Ter Stegen has been the main man between the sticks since he deposed Claudio Bravo in the 2015/16 season, and a few weeks ago, he suffered a long-term injury. 

Inaki Pena, his deputy, is not as trusted; hence, they brought in the Polish shot-stopper as a stop-gap solution while Ter Stegen convalesces. 

Ter Stegen suffered a serious injury against Villarreal | Imago

However, Pena has been impressive since taking over, leaving Hansi Flick no reason to call on the former Arsenal man. 

Barcelona look to the future 

While their immediate goalkeeper concerns have seemingly been sorted, Barcelona are looking for a more permanent replacement for their captain.

The 33-year-old has suffered a long-term injury for the second successive season. Given his advanced age and injury problems, the LALIGA leaders have reportedly underlined a replacement. 

Porto’s Diogo Costa is the man who they have identified, and according to Dario Sport, Barcelona will need to pay €45 million to land their man. Also, they will need to compete with Manchester City, who have also pinned the 25-year-old as a replacement for wantaway Ederson.