Newcastle United’s potential goalkeeper hunt in January may have been handed a boost, as Barcelona don’t intend to enter the market for a replacement for Marc Andre Ter Stegen.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who say unlike Real Madrid, who signed Kepa Arrizabalaga in a late deal to replace Thibaut Courtois, Barcelona will trust in home grown player Iñaki Peña to replace their number one.
The newspaper explains that despite Ter Stegen’s injury being an undisputed blow to Xavi and his team, the current idea is not to react with a signing in the January transfer market.
Reports over the last week had indicated this would be the case and two names could be an option, former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale.
That would put them directly in competition with Newcastle, who are also believed to be looking at both players as replacements for Nick Pope, who is set for an extended spell on the sidelines with a shoulder problem.
Barcelona, though, have confidence in Iñaki Peña’s ability to step up and fill the void left behind by Ter Stegen.
They’re willing to ride things out with their deputy, who has already earned praise internally and proven himself when given the chance.
Thus, the belief is that there is no need for a signing, leaving Newcastle with a free shot at De Gea or Ramsdale should they wish to do so.
