According to L’Equipe, as cited by GFFN, Barcelona are among the clubs interested in the services of Andre Onana. The Ajax goalkeeper will reportedly be allowed to leave the club in the summer, serving as a massive boost for the Catalans. However, they are expected to face stiff competition from Premier League outfits like Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Assessing ter Stegen’s contract situation
In Marc Andre ter-Stegen, FC Barcelona boast the services of arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. The German international is the undisputed number one choice in between the sticks for the Catalans and has performed incredibly well, over the years. However, his future at the club remains uncertain, with the goalkeeper still yet to sign a new contract.
Ter Stegen’s current contract at Barcelona expires in the summer of 2022. Although the club has identified his contract extension as a “priority”, the German is unwilling to rush into a decision just yet.
That likely means that ter Stegen’s future could revolve around Barcelona’s success, especially in the upcoming season. The club have already failed to reach their expectations as far as the Champions League is concerned. However, the goalkeeper could be keen on seeing how the future goes under new boss Quique Setien.
What other options do Barca have?
Aside from signing a new goalkeeper, Barcelona only have one other option in Neto. The Brazilian goalkeeper was bought in exchange of Jasper Cillessen in a swap deal last summer. But, he has barely managed to secure game-time, which is understandable. Neto has featured in only four games in all competitions this campaign, one of which has come in the Supercopa.
The ex-Valencia star is undoubtedly a talented goalkeeper, who has a vast amount of experience at the highest level of football. However, he may not be able to survive and emerge as the representative of Barcelona in this fierce competition of the goalkeeping department in modern football. And that’s where Onana comes in.
Why Barcelona must keep tabs on Onana
Should ter Stegen leave Barcelona in the near future, Barcelona will surely jump in for a replacement and Onana is high on the list. He is among Europe’s most talented up and coming goalkeepers, having flourished at Ajax under Erik ten Haag.
While Onana may not be as good as ter Stegen when it comes to keeping hold of the ball, the Cameroonian is undoubtedly a modern goalkeeper, who can quickly get off his line. Meanwhile, his strong physique gives him a significant advantage in terms of set-pieces. And at the age of 24, the Ajax star can be an excellent long-term investment for the Spanish giants.
