Having been linked with a move out of Barcelona, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been replaced by young goalkeeper Diego Kochen in the Hansi Flick’s preseason squad.
Ter Stegen has been ruled out of Barcelona’s pre-season squad due to recurring back pain, potentially requiring another operation, forcing Hansi Flick to accelerate plans to reshape the goalkeeping department.
According to SPORT, American teenager Kochen, who was originally set to train with the reserves, has now been called up to the first-team squad to take part in the Asian tour.
Diego Kochen during the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona v CA Osasuna (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Report claim Kochen has been undergoing paperwork formalities to join the trip. With Joan Garcia positioned as the new first-choice keeper and Wojciech Szczesny expected to be the backup, Kochen is being lined up as the third option.
Meanwhile, Inaki Pena who was the third choice goalkeeper last season is expected to stay in Barcelona to finalise his future away from the club.
Ter Stegen has been linked with a move out of Barcelona and his latest injury might give the club more reason to let go of the Germany international.
19-year-old Kochen will understudy under Garcia and Szczesny. Eligible to play for both the United States and Peru, Kochen has already featured for the US youth national teams.
The young goalie spent much of last season as a third-choice keeper with Barca Atletic and was initially hesitant to continue due to the reserve team’s away games being played far from Barcelona. His sudden promotion to the senior squad suggests a significant change in the club’s plans for his development.
