Barcelona’s decision to release goalkeeping talent Arnau Tenas has caused much surprise, both within and outside of the club.
The 22-year-old was seen as a top prospect, and even a future contender for the number one position. Tenas was captain of the academy team, and was called up to the senior Spain squad as cover earlier this year.
Letting Arnau Tenas go for free has sent shockwaves through Barcelona. Tenas joined La Masia in 2010, and allowing a top prospect, who was so well connected to Barcelona, leave without a fee, is a move they may come to regret.
A report from AS has claimed that Inaki Pena will continue to be backup to Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, while former La Masia coach Felip Ortiz stated on Cadena SER that “nobody understands” why Barcelona made such a decision.
Tenas has been compared to Victor Valdes in the past, and given his roots at Barcelona, there is disappointment that he has not been given a chance to succeed with the Blaugrana.
Barcelona’s goalkeeping options
Ter Stegen was back to his best last season as Barcelona won the title, and he helped form the rock-solid defence which conceded just 20 goals in 38 games.
The 31-year-old is set to continue as the club’s number one option for the foreseeable future, whilst Pena will be the cover keeper, and the 24-year-old will hope to feature in cup competitions and even the occasional league game if Xavi decides to rotate his goalkeepers.
Ander Astralaga is set to replace Tenas as the third option. Astralaga, 19, arrived at the club from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, and has been promoted to take the place of Tenas in the academy side.
It remains to be seen where Tenas could go, but given that he is available for free, there will likely be no shortage of interest in the Spaniard, and it may only be a matter of time before he is seen in the National team setup again.
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