Barcelona assure La Masia graduate ahead of potential new signing in his position | OneFootball

Barcelona have had a busy few days lately, especially after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s serious injury against Villarreal.

Ever since the extent of Ter Stegen’s injury came to light, Barcelona were almost immediately linked with a move for a new goalkeeper.

The rampant links to goalkeepers such as Wojciech Szczesny led many to believe that Barcelona are not at all comfortable with having Inaki Pena serve in goal, in the absence of ter Stegen.

Barcelona assure Inaki Pena

As reported by SPORT, however, it seems Barcelona have assured Pena that they are still counting on him to keep the goal.

Pena has the support of the club, with sporting director Deco, in particular, promising him a starting role in the absence of Ter Stegen.

Is Inaki Pena a part of Barcelona’s plans? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Pena, for his part, has been following the recent developments quite closely. But he is aware that his performances will dictate whether or not he will continue to keep in goal for Barça.

Why are Barcelona going after a new goalkeeper?

The question, therefore, stands – why are Barcelona going after a new goalkeeper if they are convinced of Pena’s qualities?

According to the report, it seems Barça want to be on the safe side, knowing ter Stegen’s season is over and the club do not have a reliable alternative to Pena.

Despite the immense potential of both Diego Kochen and Ander Astralaga, Barça consider them ‘too green’ to play at the highest level.

By signing someone like Szczesny, therefore, Barcelona would merely add some much-needed depth in the goalkeeping department, rather than finding a momentary replacement for ter Stegen.