A former Real Madrid goalkeeper has been linked with a shock move to FC Barcelona.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen was injured during Sunday’s 5-1 La Liga win at Villarreal and is thought to have ruptured the patella tendon in his right knee.
Manager Hansi Flick is open to signing a goalkeeper on a short-term deal to help plug the gap left by their current club captain.
With the rumour mill in full flow as to who could replace Ter Stegen, a former player from Barca’s fiercest rivals Real Madrid, as well as an ex-Premier League shot-stopper has reportedly made himself available.
According to Ferran Martínez, Keylor Navas has offered his services to Barcelona.
Navas, 37, was most recently with Ligue 1 giants PSG but left the club in the summer to seek opportunities elsewhere.
A loan spell with Nottingham Forest failed to result in a permanent switch and therefore he is now a free agent.
As recently as this month, Navas has been training with his first club Saprissa in Tibas, Costa Rica.
The former Real Madrid man is thought to be open to a move to Barcelona and is waiting for a call from the Spanish giants.
Barca boss Flick reflected on the injury sustained by Ter Stegen in the aftermath, stating how the sadness of his setback had overshadowed the victory.
PA
“The fans who watched it on television and those who were in the stadium saw an incredible game,” Flick reflected on Sunday.
“The speed, the dynamics, we are very happy, but sad for Ter Stegen, because he is one of our captains.
“It was a difficult match, because Villarreal never gives up, because we have analysed the team and it is very enjoyable to watch, but we played very well and we have to keep at it,” he added.
“He is very important for us and for the German national team.
Ter Stegen angered Barca fans with his role in a goal conceded to Monaco in the Champions League last week but has made more than 400 appearances for the club since joining from Borussia Monchengladbach back in 2014.
He was named captain in December 2022 after Gerard Pique’s mid-season retirement.
The German international has a strong working relationship with fellow countryman Flick after the latter was appointed as Xavi’s successor earlier this summer.