Barcelona target Brighton shot-stopper in search for Marc-André ter Stegen’s successor | OneFootball

Barcelona could turn to Brighton and Hove Albion’s No.1 in their search to find a long-term successor for Marc-André ter Stegen, according to a report from Foot Mercato.

Ter Stegen, now 33 years old, suffered an ACL injury earlier this season, which led the Catalan club to sign a short-term successor in the form of Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. However, Barcelona are also looking for a long-term replacement.

Foot Mercato understands that Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen (22) features highly on Barcelona’s list to replace ter Stegen. The La Liga champions have even nquired about the Dutchman, who last season was the undisputed starter under Fabian Hurzeler.

Verbruggen, currently contending with a minor injury and therefore out of the Netherlands squad for the upcoming international break, has a contract that runs until 2028 at Brighton and so he will not come cheap. Foot Mercato added that Joan García, who plays for local rivals Espanyol, also features on the shortlist at Barcelona.

GSFN | Luke Entwistle