FC Barcelona’s Sporting Director, Deco, has firmly dismissed speculation about replacing Marc-André ter Stegen as the club’s goalkeeper. In a candid interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Portuguese legend emphasized that the club’s priority remains with Ter Stegen, who is under contract for the next three years. Deco’s comments come amid rumors linking Barcelona with Diogo Costa, the highly-rated goalkeeper from FC Porto.
Deco, who is a former player at both clubs, expressed doubts over whether Costa would join Barcelona solely as a backup to Ter Stegen, stating, “If I were Diogo Costa, I’m not sure I’d join Barça to be a backup.” He also wished Costa well at Porto, adding, “I wish him to win titles there.”
Barcelona has been without Ter Stegen since September 22, after the German goalkeeper suffered a ruptured patella tendon in a La Liga match against Villarreal. With Ter Stegen sidelined for the season, Barcelona made an unexpected move by bringing Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement. However, the former Juventus and Arsenal keeper has not featured yet as he works on regaining fitness.
Meanwhile, La Masia product Iñaki Peña has stepped up to fill the gap in goal. Peña has kept four clean sheets in ten appearances, including a memorable 4-0 El Clásico victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. With Ter Stegen’s return expected to take time, it’s clear that Barcelona is putting their trust in Peña to carry them through this challenging period.
