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Former Man City star offers himself to Barcelona after Ter Stegen injury

Out of retirement? 41-year-old offers himself to injury-hit Barcelona
© Imago
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is willing to come out of retirement to play for Barcelona following Marc-Andre ter Stegen's cruciate ligament injury.

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has offered to come out of retirement amid Barcelona's goalkeeping crisis.

The Catalan club have enjoyed a stellar start to the 2024-25 La Liga schedule, winning all six of their opening games, scoring 22 goals and conceding just five times.

As a result, Hansi Flick's troops are currently occupying top spot in the early standings, four points ahead of fierce rivals Real Madrid in second.

Barca managed to keep their buffer at the top of the pile at four points on Sunday afternoon as they smashed Villarreal 5-1 at Estadio la Ceramica.

Attack-minded midfielder Pablo Torre netted his first-ever goal for the club, while Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha bagged braces in the first and second halves respectively.

Claudio Bravo of Chile warms up on June 25, 2024© Imago

"If Barcelona want me" - Bravo is ready to play again

In the midst of a brilliant performance against the Yellow Submarine, Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury.

The German veteran was forced off near the half-time break on a stretcher and was pictured on his way to hospital, with surgery on the issue expected early this week.

It is understood that Ter Stegen will be out of action for at least seven months, putting his participation for the remainder of the campaign in serious doubt.

With that in mind, ex-Man City stopper Bravo told WinWin that he is prepared to unhang the boots and return to action in Spain, stating: "If Barcelona want me, I will be ready to come out of retirement."

The 41-year-old retired from professional football after featuring for Chile at the Copa America in June, with the two-time Premier League winner playing 75 times for Barca between 2014 and 2016.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick pictured on September 21, 2024© Imago

Who could Barcelona sign to replace Ter Stegen?

With the transfer window closed until January, Barcelona will need to dip into the market of free agents if they wish to bolster their shot-stopping ranks in the near future.

Due to the absence of Ter Stegen, the Catalan giants are facing an extended period of time with 25-year-old Inaki Pena as their only first-team option in that position.

As a result, Flick's side have been linked to some interesting names, as per The Sun, including former Paris-Saint Germain and Real Madrid star Keylor Navas.

It has also been discussed whether Poland international Lewandowski could lure compatriot Wojciech Szczesny to Camp Nou after his departure from Juventus during the summer.

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Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on August 12, 2024
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona66002251718
2Real Madrid64201331014
3Athletic Bilbao7412117413
4Atletico MadridAtletico6330103712
5Villarreal63211213-111
6AlavesAlaves631297210
7Osasuna6312811-310
8Celta Vigo6303141319
9Rayo Vallecano62228718
10Real BetisBetis52215418
11Mallorca62224408
12GironaGirona6213810-27
13Espanyol621369-37
14Leganes713348-46
15Sevilla612358-35
16Real Sociedad712437-45
17Real ValladolidValladolid6123213-115
18Getafe604235-24
19Valencia6114510-54
20Las PalmasLas Palmas6024712-52


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