Yet another up-and-coming young talent on the books of La Liga giants Barcelona could be afforded a prominent role in the club’s first-team setup next season.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who point towards Ander Astralaga as the player in question.
Astralaga, for his part, is a 20-year-old goalkeeper, who has spent the season to date alternating between senior and reserve duties in Catalunya’s capital.
The Spaniard is held in high regard by the Barcelona coaching staff, viewed as his third-choice shot-stopper by Blaugrana boss Xavi.
And such talents, it would appear, could see Astralaga take a further jump up the pecking order between the posts in Barcelona next season.
As per the aforementioned MD, Iñaki Peña, who has acted as backup to Marc-André ter Stegen this season, could be primed to move on in the summer.
The 25-year-old is eager for a more consistent role, with Deco and co. ready to sanction a sale, in the case of a sufficient offer arriving for his services.
Barca, from here, would likely seek out a cut-price replacement on the market.
If one cannot be found, though, the aforementioned Astralaga is in line to benefit, with a new role as the no.2 in Xavi’s ranks.
Conor Laird | GSFN
