Since joining the club in July 2014, Marc Andre Ter Stegen's prominence between the sticks of Barca's goal has been ever-increasing. Even though the German prodigy had 21 and 26 appearances in his initial seasons at the Blaugrana club, Ter Stegen has been their priority number 1 choice since the 2016/17 season. Be it through the club's thick and thin, the star keeper has been an integral part of their journey all along.
FC Barcelona identifies 25-year-old Ligue 1 prospect for keeping reinforcement
In fact, from the club's iconic UCL 2014/15 triumph, he is the only key player still at the club, with the other big names having taken retirement or having made a move. However, given that the keeper himself turned 32 this April, the Barcelona board needs to look for the German's future successor at the club.
Though the club already possesses the likes of prodigy keepers like Inaki Pena, the need for a new reinforcement is much felt, considering the current scenario. Not to forget, when last season Ter Stegen was sidelined with a back injury, Pena didn't seem convincing enough for the role. Moreover, similar has been the case this season, as the 25-year-old hasn't been anywhere near what is expected from him.
Although FC Barcelona has brought in veteran keeper Wojciech Szczesny for the time being, the player has just signed a one-year contract, meaning they would have to look for future options more seriously. Addressing the same, the club has been linked with a prodigy Polish goalkeeper for the role.
As per reports from Diario SPORT, Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bulka could be an option for Barcelona ahead of next season. Bulka, currently playing for OGC Nice in the Ligue 1, has had good numbers for the club so far and could be a considerable option for Ter Stegen's successor at the club. Having one of the best pass success rates in Europe, alongside decent numbers in the goal, the 25-year-old prodigy Bulka could favor Barca's play style as well.
Moreover, what has been a major positive for FC Barcelona is that the Polish goalkeeper has not yet renewed with OGC Nice, with his agent, Pini Zahavi, having offered the player to the Blaugrana side. Considering the player's scenario, sources suggest that Barca thinks he would be able to compete for a starting spot with Ter Stegen.
Currently, a potential transfer move for Marcin Bulka to Barca is in its initial stages, with the club currently sticking with Pena and Szczesny for the role. However, given Bulka's utility in the goal, the 25-year-old definitely is on the club's radar as they seek options for their keeping reinforcement.