With Victor Valdes having announced that he will be leaving Barcelona when his contract expires next summer, it is a good opportunity to look at who Barcelona might choose to replace him. The role at Barcelona requires distribution ability and shot stopping ability. Barcelona’s defence isn’t the best at times and they can be susceptible to allowing shots on goal so he needs excellent reflexes. All attacks start at the back so he needs to be able to pass it accurately and sometimes over distance if the defence is squeezed deep as they were against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final.
Here is a look at some realistic options for Barcelona’s next keeper.
Marc-André ter Stegen – Borussia Mönchengladbach
Scout Report
ter Stegen is just 21 but is rapidly forging himself as reputation as one of the world’s elite young goalkeepers. Watching him is like watching Manuel Neuer, his countryman. Ter Stegen has a prototypical goalkeeper build standing at 6’3? and with a giant arm span which gives him exceptional reach, ideal for shot stopping, particularly from long range or high in the goal. He is a pure athlete and like Neuer is exceptional when coming from his line at speed to close down the angles for opponents. He is a big physical goal keeper who can control his penalty box, something that Barcelona could definitely use to improve their defending of set pieces and crosses. His kicking and distribution is solid but his control of the goal and his box make him potentially special.
How much?
Could be a rare goalkeeper who costs more than £10m. Neuer cost £22m with a few more years experience so he could cost £12m.
Thibaut Courtois – Chelsea
Scout Report
Courtois is the best young goalkeeper in the world, and Chelsea know it, which is why they are so desperate to hold on to him. Courtois is a giant of a keeper at 6’6? but he has amazing reflexes for such a big man. His size means that his penalty box command is exceptional. If he comes for a cross, he can stretch his arms out and get way above any leaping attacker. At Atletico Madrid, he set the record for the most minutes without conceding in La Liga of all time. He is incredibly well organised and his positional sense is superb. But it is his shot stopping that catches the eye. Some of the saves he can make are staggering. He’s like a big Gigi Buffon.
How much?
Chelsea will want a huge fee but if Barcelona want Courtois to be their goalie for the best part of 15 years, paying them £20m+ would be required and even sensible.
Pepe Reina – Liverpool
Scout Report
Reina started his career at Barcelona and has always been openly admiring of the club and its successes. He is already popular with the players as a strong dressing room presence during Spain’s recent tournament victories. Reina possesses excellent ball using skills for a goalkeeper. He is comfortable passing the ball short but, importantly, also has the ability to bypass the first line of defence and pass directly to the midfield. He can also hit long range balls in to space for Alexis and newly acquired Neymar to use their pace and get in behind. He is a very good shot stopper and fairly commanding of his penalty box. Somewhat prone to mistakes over the last few years but a change of scenery may refresh his mindset.
How much?
Liverpool are rumoured to want about £8m which they could then use to sign Sunderland’s Simon Mignolet.
Hugo Lloris – Spurs
Scout Report
Lloris had a slow start at Spurs but was one of the top three in the Premier League by season’s end. Lloris has an ideal skill set for Barcelona. He is a wonderfully agile and athletic shot stopper, which is a real priority. He is also excellent at rushing out from his goal. Whether this is to make saves or as a ‘sweeper keeper’, his timing and acceleration are superior for his position. A season in England has really sharpened his penalty box command and he is now not afraid to come through traffic to clear danger. He is very reliable with the ball at his feet and has a wide range of passing and throwing abilities.
How much?
He only cost Spurs £6m somehow but they will want at least double that. However, if they sell Gareth Bale they won’t sell him.
Michel Vorm – Swansea
Scout Report
Vorm has incredible agility and a flair for dramatic and show stopping saves. He is also as good a distributor of the football as has been seen in the Premier League since Edwin van der Sar. The big advantage with signing Vorm is that he plays behind a similar type of defence to Barcelona’s at Swansea and would have similar responsibilities. He can make saves and then start attacks which means that if Barcelona bought him, they could stick him straight in the team and not have to change the tactical approach. His weakness is in-box command but that has been improving. He can also be a little inconsistent at times but at his best he can be incredible.
How much?
Swansea should be tricky to buy from but £7-8m is plenty.
