USMNT wonderkid Diego Kochen to finally sign Barcelona renewal after 10-month delay

After a long 10-month wait, USMNT's teenage wonderkid Diego Kochen is finally set to put pen to paper on his new Barcelona contract, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Catalans have immense faith in the 18-year-old goalkeeper and want him to continue his progress at the club.

Kochen had, in fact, already reached an agreement to renew his contract with Barcelona on February 2, 2024, but it had not been signed as the club were adamant that Kochen sign it only once he turned 18. The young player turned 18 in March, but has yet to finalize the necessary paperwork. According to Mundo Deportivo, the formal signing of his new contract, which will run until 2028, is expected to be completed shortly.

Kochen has made rapid strides in his career as he has already been called up by new USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino. The young custodian's development has surpassed expectations, earning a call-up to 26 La Liga matches last season under former manager Xavi. Kochen made his debut for Barca Atletic in April 2023, playing under Rafa Marquez.

This season, he has appeared in seven matches for the reserve team, despite a month-long injury setback in September. The Barcelona management holds Kochen in high regard, viewing him as a future first-team goalkeeper. However, the club's current focus is on ensuring he plays as many matches as possible with the reserves to aid his growth and progression.

Barcelona's next game is a Champions League fixture on Wednesday, December 11, against Borussia Dortmund. The match will take place at the iconic Signal Iduna Park.