Barça is in the midst of searching for a new goalkeeper. Hansi Flick has already informed Deco and Joan Laporta that this is his number one priority for next season. Without a doubt, the goalkeeping position was an unsolved issue for this year.
The club, therefore, has started to seriously plan the future of its goalkeeping. Ter Stegen, despite his career, no longer offers the same guarantees as before and has started to raise doubts within the coaching staff. The German has gone from strength to weakness.
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Ter Stegen's physical recovery after his injury has brought some stability back to Barça's goal, but he hasn't managed to dispel doubts about his performance. In the offices at Camp Nou, the prevailing feeling remains one of uncertainty rather than trust.
Meanwhile, Joan Laporta has openly expressed FC Barcelona's interest in signing Szczesny for next season. The 35-year-old goalkeeper is under contract only until June 30, and the club is considering the possibility of renewing it for one more year. However, the Pole has been cautious: although his name is strongly mentioned in Barça's planning, his continuity at the club is not yet guaranteed.
In this context, Lucas Chevalier, a young prospect from Lille, has emerged as the main candidate. His profile fits what Flick's new Barça is looking for. He is better than Ter Stegen and is very reminiscent of Víctor Valdés.
Lucas Chevalier has overtaken Joan García, the other candidate
On the other hand, Joan García was also on the club's radar. After not being drafted by the Spanish National Team, his release clause was set at 25 million euros. Some media even point to an alleged agreement with Barça: a loan to Valencia for one season before joining Camp Nou.
The reality is that Joan García still hasn't made a firm decision about his future. His indecision may have caused Barça to change course. Lucas Chevalier, amid the doubts, has forcefully entered the culé agenda.
The Frenchman is already being compared to Víctor Valdés
It is no secret that Víctor Valdés has been one of the greatest goalkeepers in FC Barcelona's history. Although several years have passed since his golden era, with Barça's interest in Lucas Chevalier, his name has resurfaced.
Many are comparing Víctor Valdés to Lucas Chevalier because of their numbers, play style, type of saves, and even their physique.
Chevalier is 23 years old and has a market value of 32.8 million USD (30 million euros). He has played a total of 48 matches with Lille this season, 13 of which he kept a clean sheet.