Barcelona suffered a significant setback during their 5-1 victory over Villarreal, as club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen sustained a serious injury. As a result, the Catalan club are already looking for a replacement, with Toulouse FC’s Guillaume Restes being one of the names discussed by President Joan Laporta.
Ter Stegen appeared to be in considerable pain and was eventually replaced by Inaki Pena just before the end of the first half. Reports suggest that the German goalkeeper has suffered a knee injury and is expected to be out for at least eight months.
While Pena played 17 games under Xavi last season and is viewed as a reliable backup for Barcelona, the club is keen on finding a player who can immediately step into Ter Stegen’s role. According to a report from El Nacional, 20-year-old French goalkeeper Guillaume Restes is being considered as an option.
Laporta has reportedly already begun negotiations and has scheduled meetings with Restes’ team, as well as with representatives from Toulouse, to try and secure a deal in January.
Restes has been with the Toulouse academy since the age of six and has rapidly risen through the ranks. After playing for the club’s B team until 2023, he made his senior debut last season and established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper through consistent performances.
Overall, the French keeper made 95 saves last season, placing him among the top 10 goalkeepers in the league. He was also a part of the French Olympic team that won the silver medal in Paris.
Barcelona certainly see him as a long-term option, with his physical attributes and experience at a young age considered major positives as well.
Hansi Flick discusses Barcelona’s plans to replace Marc- Andre ter Stegen
Ter Stegen’s injury is undoubtedly a setback for both Hansi Flick and Barcelona, particularly given their strong start to the season. Despite his error against Monaco, which led to Eric Garcia’s red card, the 32-year-old was seen as a crucial part of the team due to his experience and leadership.
In his absence during the second half, Barcelona secured a commanding 5-1 victory over Villarreal. They now comfortably sit at the top of the league, having won all five of their games, while their rivals, Real Madrid, trail by four points.
Flick, however, certainly did not offer any indication as to whether the club would seek a replacement for the goalkeeper.
“It will be a serious injury, he has felt it, you have seen it. I don’t like this question right after the game. First, we have to see what happens with Marc, he’s our captain. I’m very sad about what happened. Please understand that I don’t want to answer this question. I haven’t been able to speak to Ter Stegen,” he said after the game against Villareal (via Barca Blaugranes).
At least until the January transfer window opens, Barcelona are expected to continue with Inaki Pena, who has made 23 appearances for the club. Their next game is against Getafe in La Liga on Wednesday, September 25, followed by a fixture against Osasuna on Saturday, September 28.
