Barcelona is preparing for the upcoming season amidst uncertainty in their goalkeeping department.

The club currently relies on Joan Garcia as the primary goalkeeper and Wojciech Szczesny as the backup.

Advertisement

However, the position of third goalkeeper remains vacant, particularly with Marc-Andre ter Stegen moving to Ajax on a loan deal.

A new number three goalkeeper?

This situation places Iker Rodriguez in line to potentially become Barcelona’s third-choice goalkeeper next season, according to reports from SPORT.

Rodriguez could benefit from several departures in the goalkeeping department. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Rodriguez, a graduate of the La Masia academy, stands to gain from multiple goalkeeper exits at Barcelona this summer.

As noted, Ter Stegen is expected to join Ajax on loan, while Inaki Pena has been sold to Panathinaikos.

Advertisement

Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen were the other goalkeeper options last season. However, Astralaga has been released, while Kochen has been loaned to Danish club Lyngby BK.

Consequently, Rodriguez finds himself in a favorable position to step up as Barcelona’s new number three goalkeeper, although he faces competition from Aron Yaakobishvili.

Yaakobishvili is coming off a successful loan spell at FC Andorra, but indications suggest he will also be loaned out again for further experience.

Who is Iker Rodriguez?

Rodriguez could find himself backing up Szczesny and Garcia next season. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

A Sabadell native, Rodriguez is part of Barcelona’s U19 squad, having been promoted last summer.

Standing at 1.87m, Rodriguez’s height is an asset, and he has also represented Spain in youth competitions, demonstrating his talent.

Although Yaakobishvili was included in Barcelona’s training today, indications suggest another loan deal for him, which could pave the way for Rodriguez to step up.

Despite having limited experience, Rodriguez has shown promise in youth competitions and could provide an exciting option for Barcelona next season should an injury crisis arise in their goalkeeping ranks.