Headline: Barcelona’s Aron Yaakobishvili Likely to Leave as Goalkeeping Situation Evolves
Barcelona navigated a complex goalkeeping situation earlier this summer, but sporting director Deco has effectively streamlined the roster. Marc-Andre ter Stegen has departed on loan to Ajax, while Inaki Pena, Ander Astralaga, and Diego Kochen have also secured places on new teams this summer.
This leaves Hansi Flick with Joan Garcia as the starting goalkeeper and Wojciech Szczesny serving as his backup, without a clear third-choice keeper identified. According to Mundo Deportivo, Aron Yaakobishvili, one of the possible candidates for that vacant spot, is likely to seek a transfer before the end of the window.
Yaakobishvili Wants Regular Minutes
The 20-year-old Hungarian international aims to avoid a season as Flick’s third choice behind Garcia and Szczesny. After returning from a successful loan with Andorra, Yaakobishvili started pre-season training with the first team but remains focused on gaining consistent playing time.
Barcelona acknowledges his concerns and is willing to facilitate another loan. This marks a significant shift from their previous approach, where they intended to retain him in the first team.
In addition, a permanent transfer with a buy-back clause is under consideration, allowing the club to maintain its long-term interest in the young keeper.
Pini Zahavi’s Presence Could Accelerate Talks
The involvement of agent Pini Zahavi in Barcelona may expedite discussions regarding Yaakobishvili’s future. Yaakobishvili renewed his contract until 2028 last year, indicating that the club has faith in his potential.
Barcelona’s primary focus is on his development rather than immediate profit in case of a sale, as they seek the ideal club for him to gain meaningful experience. His pre-season performances, including saving two penalties in a shootout against Birmingham City, have underscored the need for regular match time.
Barcelona Are Already Planning Beyond Him
In anticipation of Yaakobishvili’s potential departure, Barcelona is reorganizing the third-goalkeeper position. Eder Aller and Iker Rodriguez will likely alternate between first-team roles and Barça Atletic. This strategy ensures both keepers continue to gain competitive experience rather than remaining on the bench.
A range of possible destinations for Yaakobishvili has diminished, with clubs like Racing Santander, Sevilla, Levante, and Mallorca resolving their goalkeeping needs. Consequently, Barcelona must identify the right opportunity for the young goalkeeper, whose next destination remains uncertain as the season approaches.
Barcelona had a very crowded goalkeeping situation to manage early in the summer transfer window, but Deco has done a great job of clearing out the deadwood.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has joined Ajax on loan, and the likes of Inaki Pena, Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen have all found new homes this summer.
Advertisement
This leaves Hansi Flick with Joan Garcia as his starting goalkeeper and Wojciech Szczesny as his back-up, with no clear third-choice goalkeeper identified.
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, one of the candidates for that position, Aron Yaakobishvili, looks likely to leave Barça before the window closes.
Yaakobishvili wants regular minutes
The 20-year-old goalkeeper does not want to spend the season as Flick’s third-choice option behind the aforementioned duo.
Yaakobishvili (R) on his way out. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images for DFB)
The Hungarian international returned from a productive loan spell at Andorra and began pre-season with the first team, but his long-term objective has not changed.
Advertisement
Yaakobishvili wants to play consistently, preferably in La Liga, rather than remain on the bench for most of the season.
Barcelona understand that position and are prepared to facilitate another loan. This is a marked change from their stance until a few days ago to keep him in the first team.
A permanent transfer with a buy-back clause is also being considered, which would allow the club to protect their long-term interest in the goalkeeper.
Pini Zahavi presence could accelerate talks
The presence of agent Pini Zahavi in Barcelona could help accelerate talks over the goalkeeper’s future.
Yaakobishvili renewed his contract until 2028 last year, and it is clear that Barça have a lot of faith in his potential.
Yaakobishvili spent the last season on loan at Andorra. (Picture credit: X/@fcandorra)
Advertisement
The priority is development rather than making a profit in case of a sale, and the Catalan club need to find the right home for him.
His pre-season performances have only reinforced the belief that he needs meaningful minutes. The goalkeeper featured against Birmingham City and saved two penalties in the shootout.
Barcelona are already planning beyond him
Barcelona are also preparing for the possibility of Yaakobishvili leaving by reorganising the third-goalkeeper role.
Eder Aller and Iker Rodriguez are expected to rotate between first-team involvement and Barça Atletic, ensuring both continue receiving competitive minutes rather than sitting permanently behind the senior pair.
Advertisement
Several potential destinations for Yaakobishvili have already disappeared, with Racing Santander, Sevilla, Levante and Mallorca all resolving their goalkeeping situations.
That means Barcelona now need to find the right opportunity rather than simply any exit. It remains to be seen where the young Hungarian plays next season.
[/gpt3]