PSG confirm the signing of former Barcelona keeper Arnau Tenas
I’m fully expecting to have to write two pieces today centred around PSG signing a Barcelona player, although technically Arnau Texas was no longer employed by the La Liga Champions.
The Parisians officially announced the signing of Tenas yesterday, a move that has been on the cards for some time.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper’s contract expired with Barca at the end of June, and although Xavi was hopeful of him signing a new deal, Tenas instead chose to take his talents to France.
It’s always risky allowing a player’s contract to run down, and to me, the management team at Barca misjudged this situation.
Tenas is a fine prospect who’s still finding his feet, but he has an incredible amount of potential. He’s shown himself to be a good shot-stopper, brave in the air, comfortable with the ball at his feet and a good communicator.
Had Barcelona managed to extend his contract, they could have easily loaned him out this year to gain valuable experience in the hope that he will eventually take over from Marc-André ter Stegen. Instead, they’ve lost him for free.
Tenas coming off a good season with Barça Atlètic
Gianluigi Donnarumma is the number one keeper in Paris, and Tenas will be competing with Spanish compatriot Sergio Rico for the backup spot, although Rico is currently rehabbing from a serious head injury he sustained after being hit by a horse while back in Spain over the summer.
Tenas kept 15 clean sheets in 29 appearances for Rafael Márquez’s Barça Atlètic side last year, playing in the Primera Federación, by far the best return of his career.
He then took helped Spain get to the final of the U21 European Championships, where they were beaten by England.
For some reason known only to the Barcelona management team, they allowed his contract to run down, and Tenas made the choice to have a fresh start elsewhere.
In his first official interview with PSG, he was asked why he chose to sign for PSG, saying:
"“First and foremost for what it is. It’s a great club, as are the people who are part of it. I wanted to be part of this project, which is global in its nature. I’m very happy to be here.”"
Sometimes players just want to be wanted, and with Barcelona allowing his contract to expire, that doesn’t scream commitment from the La Liga champions.
We won’t know if that was the right or wrong decision for a while, but here’s wishing Tenas the best of luck in Paris.
