The dilemma that FC Barcelona is experiencing in relation to the goalkeepers who will travel to the Asian preseason tour and those who will not be counted on for the 2025/26 season is becoming more than evident, as the latest name to be added to the possibility of arriving in Asia with the first team is Diego Kochen.
It should be noted that for Kochen, an international with the United States, it was initially planned that he would be under the orders of Juliano Belletti in Barça Atlètic.
However, now there is the probability of being part of the Blaugrana team that will have to face Vissel Kobe (July 27), FC Seoul (July 31) and Daegu FC (August 4).
Barça is moving to have Kochen ready
In this argumentative order, although there is still no official confirmation and according to recent information, Barça has already started preparing all the documentation so that, if necessary, they can incorporate Diego Kochen into the first team without any problem for the preparation matches.
The possibility of Kochen assuming the role of third goalkeeper this season, combining his participation between the first team and Barça Atlètic to add minutes and experience, is becoming increasingly strong in the Blaugrana sports planning.
Last season, the 19-year-old goalkeeper played 16 matches with the Barça reserve team (1,440 minutes), which was relegated to Segunda RFEF. This new possibility facing the goalkeeper could give a 180-degree turn to his situation, because he apparently has offers from other teams superior to Barça Atlètic.
The '13' would not get up to speed, because during his vacations in Miami he has been working physically to not lose the rhythm and be ready in case of receiving the call.
For the goal, Joan García and Szczęsny will lead the expedition
In this context, until now, the only ones who would have a guaranteed place for coach Hansi Flick in relation to the goal are Joan García and Wojciech Szczęsny, who recently renewed his contract.
The scenario could be the opposite for goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, as there is a possibility that he will have to go through surgery due to back pain, and an intervention would keep him out for at least four months.
Also, Barcelona wants the German to leave the club, while the 33-year-old goalkeeper maintains that he will fight for the ownership of the culé goal, which in principle will be guarded by García as first goalkeeper and Szczęsny as second.
As for Iñaki Peña, the initial intention is that the goalkeeper from Alicante does not travel with the team to Japan and South Korea, staying in Barcelona to define his future, as he is not in Barça's plans and he wants to join a team where he can have minutes.
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