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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
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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