Barcelona prepare a four-man shortlist to replace Marc-Andre ter Stegen

If recent reports are to be believed, Barcelona are preparing for a squad overhaul over the next couple of transfer windows. And one name that features prominently on the list of players who could be axed is that of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The German international’s levels have dipped since his knee injury which needed surgery. There have been quite a few questionable displays from the 29-year-old of late, which has raised serious question marks over his future.

Considering that he is one of the highest wage-earner at Barca and would fetch a significant transfer fee, the club would be open to letting go of the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach ace if the right offer comes along.

Now, Gerard Romero is reporting that Barcelona have already prepared a four-man shortlist of potential replacements in case they do part ways with ter Stegen in the upcoming transfer windows.

As per the update, Leeds United’s Illan Meslier is one of the options that the Blaugrana are looking at. Just 21 years of age, the Frenchman has established himself as one of the finest young shot-stoppers in the Premier League and has grown into a key player at Elland Road. Although, his contract with Leeds runs until 2026, meaning the Whites could demand a massive fee for his signing.

The second name on the list, and the most realistic one, as things stand, is Andre Onana. A former La Masia trainee, the Cameroonian knows the club inside out, has experience at the highest level with AFC Ajax. What makes him an even more appealing prospect is that the goalkeeper will be available on a free transfer in the summer, although Barca will need to stave off interest from Inter Milan.

Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels is another player that the Catalan giants are considering replacing ter Stegen with. While he might not be the biggest of names going around, the 29-year-old has been a reliable performer for German giants VfL Wolfsburg for years now and is a vastly experienced customer.

Fiorentina and Poland custodian Bartlomiej Dragowski is the final name on the list for the Blaugrana. The 24-year-old has carved out a solid reputation for himself in Italy and has his best years in front of him. Moreover, with his contract running out in eighteen months, he will be available on a bargain deal in the summer.

It remains to be seen if Barcelona do go after any of these goalkeepers, although any pursuit would first require them to offload ter Stegen.