According to reports, Barcelona’s technical staff is in a state of uncertainty due to Ricardo Sá Pinto’s situation. What seemed certain two months ago—that he would accept a one or two-year contract extension—now appears less certain.

The Polish goalkeeper, who has been regularly playing since January, has given himself a few days to decide his future with his family. His comments after El Clásico in an interview with Canal+ left all options open: “The club has offered me a two-year extension. But I need to decide with my family what is best for us.”

Since then, as mentioned, Deco and the management team are waiting for Sá Pinto’s final decision to plan accordingly for the goalkeeper position. The initial plan did not include entering the transfer market, as it was believed Sá Pinto would accept the offer and join Marc-André ter Stegen as the main goalkeepers for next season.

Doubts in Poland

Now, all doors are open. Even journalists close to Sá Pinto in Poland hesitate to predict his final decision. Some were surprised by the two-year offer (while many expected a one-year extension until 2026), while others interpreted his emotional gestures and time spent with family as an early farewell.

In any case, if the technical committee decides to enter the market and use financial leverage to strengthen the goalkeeper position, the chosen candidate must be an investment for the future. In this regard, several names are on the table, all fitting Barcelona’s style in terms of personality, youth, and ability to play with their feet.

Joan García: The Forbidden Fruit?

The Espanyol goalkeeper is undoubtedly one of the most prepared players in La Liga right now. The savior of Manolo González’s team and a key figure in their survival. A leader, reliable, reactive, and consistent. His contract includes a €30 million release clause, which rises to €35 million if he is called up to the Spanish national team and drops to €15 million if Espanyol is relegated. He is also on the radar of clubs like Arsenal, Real Madrid, and other top teams, and is highly regarded at Barcelona for his ability and stability.

Lucas Chevalier: Lille’s Flagbearer

Another option is Lille’s young but experienced goalkeeper. Despite his age, he has shown consistent performances, and his contract with the French club runs until 2027. Barcelona knows his price will not be less than €40 million. This season, he has conceded 52 goals in 47 official matches. A product of Lille’s academy, Chevalier has never played for another club and has long been on Barcelona’s radar. With Ter Stegen’s injury and doubts over Iñaki Peña, the club has increased its focus on the market and even made initial inquiries about Chevalier’s situation at Lille.

Bart Verbruggen: The Dutch Option

Verbruggen delivered a stunning performance in the Nations League quarter-finals against Spain, particularly in the first leg in the Netherlands. A quick goalkeeper with decisive reactions and excellent footwork—qualities that many see as an ideal fit for Barcelona’s style. Despite playing for a mid-table English club (Brighton), his price is not low. At 22, he is one of the most promising goalkeepers on the market, with a contract running until 2028.

Barcelona will eventually need to sign a new goalkeeper unless they decide to rely on their academy. And this tall Dutch goalkeeper has shown he could be that future option.