According to Sport, 18-year-old goalkeeper Iker Rodríguez has been called up to the first team training to replace Ter Stegen.
The report states that Barcelona's goalkeeper position is already looking to the future. With Ter Stegen's transfer to Ajax entering its final stages, and the deal expected to be completed in the coming days, Flick has begun preparing for the pre-season. The German coach will welcome a new goalkeeper to training. According to Sport, Iker Rodríguez has been called up and will participate in Flick's training session tomorrow to fill the void left by the German goalkeeper's absence.
Born in 2008, this goalkeeper is one of La Masia's most promising talents. The club is confident in his development, believing he possesses many qualities required to make it to the first team in the future. He is tall, agile, has a strong personality, and excellent footwork, making him a goalkeeper who perfectly fits Barcelona's football philosophy.
Iker has grown up in the Barcelona youth system since joining from CE Sabadell's Can Rull, rapidly progressing through all age levels.
Last season was not easy for him. Due to a shoulder injury, he underwent surgery in the summer and only returned to play in January this year. However, after his return, he once again demonstrated a very high competitive level, both in the Barcelona U19 team and in the UEFA Youth League, proving again the great potential he showed before his injury.
The club has great trust in his future. In fact, Barcelona has already begun to push for his contract renewal and plans to continue meticulously nurturing his development. Although he will be registered with Barcelona Atlètic under coach Belletti next season, the club management has already identified him as a key development prospect for the coming years.
His inclusion in the first team training squad is also related to the current situation in the goalkeeping position. In Sunday's training, only Szczesny and Jakubiszyn were present. The latter is likely to be loaned out again in the future to get more playing time. Joan Garcia, who is considered Barcelona's future starting goalkeeper, is currently with the national team at the World Cup and will rejoin the squad after the tournament.
In such circumstances, Flick has decided to have Iker Rodríguez join the first team during the initial pre-season preparations to participate in daily goalkeeper training, and it is even possible that he could remain with the first team for the entire season.
For this rapidly developing young goalkeeper, this is a significant step in his career. He has already begun knocking on the door of the first team.
As Ter Stegen's time at Barcelona draws to a close, the club is also preparing for the future of the goalkeeping position through its youth system.
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