Barcelona sporting director Deco explained the club signed goalkeeper Juan Garcia due to insufficient depth after Marc-André ter Stegen sustained multiple injuries over two seasons. The Spanish official told Mundo Deportivo that Garcia provides both immediate cover and long-term planning for the position. Ter Stegen remains under contract at age 33, and the club has no intention of releasing him in January despite the German goalkeeper's recent back problem.
Deco said Barcelona recognized its lack of goalkeeper options after ter Stegen's first back injury two years ago, when Iñaki Peña performed well during a two-month stretch. The club tracked Garcia before completing the signing from Espanyol, and the young goalkeeper chose Barcelona over other interested teams. Deco emphasized the decision centered on planning rather than replacing ter Stegen, and head coach Hans Flick will determine playing time between the goalkeepers.
Deco said Barcelona recognized its lack of goalkeeper options after ter Stegen's first back injury two years ago, when Iñaki Peña performed well during a two-month stretch. The club tracked Garcia before completing the signing from Espanyol, and the young goalkeeper chose Barcelona over other interested teams. Deco emphasized the decision centered on planning rather than replacing ter Stegen, and head coach Hans Flick will determine playing time between the goalkeepers.
