American goalkeeper called up by Hansi Flick to replace Marc-Andre ter Stegen in Barcelona squad after Germany star ruled out with injury

Ter Stegen has been ruled out of Barcelona's pre-season squad due to recurring back pain, potentially requiring another operation, forcing Hansi Flick to accelerate plans to reshape the goalkeeping department. According to SPORT, American teenager Kochen, who was originally set to train with the reserves, has now been called up to the first-team squad to take part in the Asian tour.

Kochen has been undergoing paperwork formalities to join the trip. With Joan Garcia positioned as the new first-choice keeper and Wojciech Szczesny expected to be the backup, Kochen is being lined up as the third option. Inaki Pena, meanwhile, is expected to stay in Barcelona to finalise his future away from the club.

Barca’s long-standing reliance on Ter Stegen may be coming to an end. With his status under review due to injury and Joan Garcia receiving clear support from Flick, the club are transitioning to a new goalkeeping era. Kochen’s promotion reflects that shift, as the Catalan giants aim to balance Financial Fair Play and squad planning.

The-19-year-old goalkeeper is eligible to play for both the United States and Peru but has already featured for the US youth national teams. Kochen spent much of last season as a third-choice keeper with Barca Atletic and was initially hesitant to continue due to the reserve team’s away games being played far from Barcelona. His sudden promotion to the senior squad suggests a significant change in the club’s plans for his development.

The Spanish champions will travel to Japan and South Korea for their preseason tour, where Kochen is expected to join Joan Garcia and Szczesny in the goalkeeping setup. If Ter Stegen undergoes surgery, he will likely remain out until January, freeing up salary space for new signings under La Liga’s financial fair play rules. Meanwhile, Inaki Pena is expected to work on securing a move away from the club before the end of the summer window.