FC Barcelona have settled their first-team goalkeeping hierarchy with Joan Garcia as the expected starter and Wojciech Szczesny providing experienced backup.
But one position remains undecided ahead of the new season: the third goalkeeper.
Following Diego Kochen's loan move to Lyngby , Inaki Pena's transfer to Panathinaikos, after returning from loan at Elche, and Ander Astralaga's departure after his contract expired, the club must now select a new third-choice keeper.
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo , the decision is expected to come down to two highly regarded prospects from the Barcelona youth academy: Iker Rodriguez and Eder Aller.
18-year-old Rodriguez is still eligible to play youth football but is considered one of the brightest goalkeeping talents in La Masia .
Iker Rodriguez could be an option for the third-choice position. (Photo courtesy: X/FCBMasia)
Barcelona see significant long-term potential in him and are already working on extending his current contract, which runs until 2027.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Eder Aller offers a different profile. Although he made only one appearance for Barça Atletic last season, he spent much of the campaign around Hansi Flick's first team, earning 16 matchday call-ups in La Liga.
His presence with the senior squad often allowed Diego Kochen to continue playing regularly with the reserve team.
Barcelona also have greater contractual security with Aller, who is tied to the club until 2028, with an option to extend his deal by a further year.
Eder Aller (second from left) has been around the first team. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Barcelona are expected to choose one of the two academy goalkeepers to serve as third-choice keeper for the first team, while the other is likely to play a more prominent role with Barça Atletic.
Barcelona's coaching staff, led by Hansi Flick, will make the final decision during pre-season as they determine which young goalkeeper is best prepared to support the senior squad while continuing his development.
Aron Yaakobishvili, who spent the last season on loan at FC Andorra and impressed, is back at Barcelona and could also be in contention. However, it is likely that the 20-year-old leaves on loan much like Kochen this summer.
