Amid growing speculation about who will guard the goal for Barcelona next season, a bold statement from a club legend has reignited the debate, shaking up internal discussions. Former Barça midfielder Ivan Rakitic, whose influence at the club remains strong, made his stance clear—and it could disrupt the direction the club’s leadership was heading.
Behind the scenes, Barcelona’s sporting directors have been working to integrate a newly signed young goalkeeper from a local team, with serious talks of moving on from the current No. 1 for various reasons. But Rakitic’s firm endorsement has disrupted expectations.
Staying Put: Ter Stegen’s Loyalty
Despite ongoing rumors, the goalkeeper at the heart of this debate—Marc-André ter Stegen—has shown no intention of leaving. On the contrary, he remains committed to fighting for his place, even while managing a health issue that could soon require surgery.
Rakitic’s Clear Message: “There’s No Comparison—Ter Stegen Is No. 1”
In a recent interview with Spanish radio station COPE, Rakitic made his opinion unambiguous when asked who should start in goal for Barça. “I spoke to him recently—he seemed in good spirits and focused. I hope his injury isn’t too serious,” he said.
When asked to compare the emerging Juan Garcia and the veteran Ter Stegen, Rakitic didn’t hesitate: “There’s no debate—Ter Stegen has to play. He’s the leader and has everyone’s respect at Barcelona.”
He added that if the German international is fit, the decision should be obvious: “If Marc is healthy, there shouldn’t be any doubts. Hopefully, the only problem Barcelona faces is choosing between three strong options.”
Juan Garcia: Bright Future, But Not Yet the Present
On Juan Garcia, Rakitic acknowledged his talent but emphasized that the demands at a club like Barcelona are immense. “He’s promising, yes. But Barcelona is another level entirely,” Rakitic said. “Right now, I don’t see a goalkeeper in Europe outperforming Ter Stegen.”
Lamine Yamal: A Star in the Making—and Rakitic’s Advice
Rakitic also touched on the meteoric rise of teenager Lamine Yamal, a rising star in European football. “He’s a good kid who deserves to enjoy this moment. I’ve only heard great things about him,” Rakitic said. “Let’s let him be happy and live this experience fully.”
He also offered guidance to new manager Hansi Flick on handling Yamal’s development: “Flick is the right man. He’ll know when to bring Yamal into his office and when to give him space. That balance is key.”
Why Rakitic’s Words Carry Weight
In a time of reported friction between club management and parts of the squad, Rakitic’s voice adds a dose of clarity and calm. The opinion of a player so deeply tied to the club’s recent history holds sway—not just with fans, but with those making decisions behind the scenes.
His backing of Ter Stegen could complicate the board’s potential plans to reshuffle the goalkeeper position, especially considering lingering doubts over Garcia’s readiness for top-tier pressure. Whether Rakitic’s support will impact the club’s transfer strategy remains to be seen.
While Ter Stegen’s future is still up in the air, Lamine Yamal could prove to be a transformative figure as Barcelona reshapes its identity. With legends like Rakitic weighing in and youth rising fast, this summer may be pivotal in defining the club’s next era.
