Deco clarifies Barcelona goalkeeper plans after Joan Garcia arrival

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the long-serving captain, has been sidelined since the start of the season following back surgery in August and is expected to return in December. His absence left Barcelona short of options, with only Inaki Pena and a group of young keepers available.

Deco told Mundo Deportivo that the move for Garcia was not intended to undermine Ter Stegen's role. "Marc is a great goalkeeper, captain of the team, and he has a history with the club that we respect and value," he said. "The decision was not because of Marc. When he got injured, we realised we didn't have many goalkeepers.

"We wanted a young goalkeeper who could offer us both the present and the future."

Garcia, 24, had been tracked by Barcelona scouts for several years, and Deco explained that his intelligence and readiness made him the right choice. "We knew Joan well. He has stood out and confirmed what we already saw in him.

"We urgently needed a goalkeeper for now and for the future. I know it is difficult to leave Espanyol, a city rival, but for him, Barca's goal is a huge opportunity."

The sporting director dismissed talk of tension between the two keepers. "There is no problem with Ter Stegen and Joan Garcia. Marc has a contract, and if he were available, he would be playing. After that, it is up to the coach to decide who plays," he said.

Deco also responded to Ter Stegen's recent remarks about his recovery time. "The player is free to explain his personal issues. Instagram has made some things public that perhaps should stay internal, but there is no controversy in that regard," he added.

Barcelona remain hopeful that Ter Stegen will be back before the winter break, but for now Garcia is expected to continue as first choice in Hansi Flick's side.

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