€9m Manchester City player is now on Hansi Flick’s shortlist to replace injured Barcelona captain | OneFootball

After his patellar tendon tear during the match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to undergo immediate surgery. This medical intervention took place yesterday, and the club confirmed the success of this operation.

With this surgery, Ter Stegen has started his recovery process. However, he will now need around seven to eight months to return back to fitness and be able to play again. Thus, Barcelona might not be able to field him for the rest of this season.

Meanwhile, as the La Liga President himself confirmed, the extent of Ter Stegen’s injury allows Barcelona to undertake some extraordinary measures, including getting and registering a new player outside of the transfer window.

Thus, the Catalans will have to make a decision whether they go ahead with Inaki Pena in goal, or get another free agent in the coming weeks to replace Ter Stegen.

However, the German’s injury could also cause the club to consider its long-term plans for the goalkeeping position. As a result, they could explore signing a starting-level goalkeeper in the upcoming transfer windows.

According to Fichajes, Flick has now communicated to the club his three preferred options for this position, and one of the names that he has asked for is the Manchester City goalie, Stefan Ortega.

Ortega is currently not a starter for Pep Guardiola and has already been linked with the Catalan club in the past. The Barcelona coaching staff still likes him, especially for his quick reflexes and his ability with the feet.

Furthermore, getting him out of the Manchester City squad will not be too difficult for the Blaugranes, especially if the goalkeeper is seeking more prominence. The €9m-rated German goalkeeper is yet to step on the pitch this season and has remained on the bench throughout this Premier League season.

At 31 years old, with his contract expiring in June 2026, he presents an affordable option for the Catalans. However, he is not the only notable option being considered by the club and it remains to be seen how Barcelona will cope with the Ter Stegen’s long-term absence.