FC Barcelona has suffered a major setback as star goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen will miss the rest of the 2024/25 season due to a severe knee injury sustained during the Laliga match against Villarreal. 

Fans who previously called for his removal may now realize just how crucial he has been to the team's success.

The seriousness of Ter Stegen’s injury was clear immediately. Players urgently signaled for medical attention, and their reactions—hands on their heads—showed the gravity of the situation. 

This marks Ter Stegen’s second significant injury to his right knee, but this one is far more severe.

With Ter Stegen out, Iñaki Peña becomes the obvious replacement. While Peña stepped in for 10 La Liga games last season, he conceded a whopping 14 goals and managed just two clean sheets. 

This has raised doubts about whether he is the long-term solution, particularly in high-pressure matches like the Champions League. His overall performance in the 2023/24 season, where he played 20 matches and conceded 28 goals, has done little to inspire confidence.

Though one could argue that the entire Barcelona team looked rattled, weak, and uninspiring that season, Peña still doesn’t seem to command the penalty area with the authority Barcelona needs. 

And with Hansi Flick under pressure to deliver at least one trophy this season, Peña's suitability is even more in question.

Barcelona finds itself in a difficult position. With the transfer window closed, the club can only sign free agents—none of whom seem particularly exciting. 

Possible options include Loris Karius, Keylor Navas, Wojciech Szczęsny, Edgar Badía, and even former Barça keeper Claudio Bravo, who, at 41, has offered to come out of retirement to help.

A more strategic move may be to wait until January to secure a more fitting replacement. Financial constraints could complicate things, but Las Palmas' Álvaro Valles—a 6'3" modern sweeper keeper—is already on Barcelona’s radar. 

His contract runs until June next year, but the club could try to secure him earlier. Espanyol’s Joan García is another name that has been suggested as a possible option.

For now, Peña remains Barça’s only viable choice between the posts. By January, the club will need to decide whether to stick with him or enter the market for a more commanding presence to protect their goal.

Who do you think would be the best goalkeeper signing for FC Barcelona from the names I’ve mentioned? Share your thoughts in the comments below!