Hansi Flick Calls Up Goalkeeping Prodigy Ahead of Real Oviedo Clash

Barcelona’s preparations for Sunday’s clash against Real Oviedo took an unexpected turn during the team’s final training session at the Ciutat Esportiva, as head coach Hansi Flick was forced to look beyond his first-team options to complete the squad.

With the club facing a temporary shortage in the goalkeeping department, Flick handed a surprise call-up to teenage goalkeeper Gerard Sala, a highly rated prospect from the Juvenil B side. The decision, first reported by Diario SPORT, underlined both Barcelona’s current logistical challenges and the club’s continued reliance on La Masia when gaps emerge.

Goalkeeping absences force Flick’s hand

The situation arose due to the absence of Diego Kochen, who was unavailable for first-team duties after being called up by Barça Atlètic for a crucial league fixture against Poblense on Saturday. With the reserve side pushing for direct promotion to the Primera RFEF, Kochen’s presence was deemed essential.

Compounding matters, Marc-André ter Stegen is no longer part of the equation following his recent move to Girona, leaving Flick short of options during a key training session ahead of the Oviedo encounter.

While Kochen is expected to return in time to be included in the squad list for Sunday’s match, Flick required immediate cover on the training pitch — a necessity that opened the door for Sala to step into the senior environment.

Who is Gerard Sala?

Though relatively unknown to the wider fanbase, Sala is a familiar and well-respected figure within Barcelona’s academy structure. The 17-year-old joined La Masia in 2017 from Mataró and has steadily climbed the youth ranks through consistent performances rather than hype.

Born in Granollers, Sala will turn 18 on Sunday, a milestone that caps off a significant year in his development. In November 2024, Barcelona rewarded his progress with a contract renewal that ties him to the club until 2027 — a clear signal of the faith placed in him by academy coaches.

Internally, Sala is described as a “modern goalkeeper,” a profile that aligns closely with Barcelona’s long-standing tactical demands. Coaches highlight his comfort with the ball at his feet, sharp reflexes, and willingness to come off his line — qualities increasingly essential in teams that prioritize build-up play from the back.

Quiet progress, growing recognition

Sala’s rise has been measured rather than meteoric. While his physical resemblance to former Barcelona defender Marc Cucurella once made him a minor talking point, it is his calm demeanor and technical reliability that have earned him opportunities such as this week’s senior training inclusion.

Unlike many academy prospects who generate early headlines, Sala has progressed quietly through the categories, focusing on refining his fundamentals and adapting to higher levels of competition. That approach has resonated with staff at La Masia, who value consistency and coachability as much as raw talent.

Training alongside the first team represents a valuable learning experience, even if it does not immediately translate into matchday involvement. For young goalkeepers in particular, exposure to senior sessions is often viewed as a critical step in understanding the pace, demands, and decision-making required at the elite level.

Flick balances preparation and development

For Flick, the call-up was primarily practical, ensuring his squad could function smoothly during preparations for Real Oviedo. But it also reflects a broader willingness to engage with the academy when circumstances demand it.

Barcelona have long leaned on La Masia during periods of transition or squad disruption, and this latest episode reinforces the pathway that still exists for young players — even in specialized positions like goalkeeping.

As the team turns its focus to Sunday’s match, Sala’s involvement is unlikely to extend beyond the training ground. Still, for the teenager, the experience marks a meaningful moment in his development and a reminder that opportunities can arrive unexpectedly.

In a season defined by adjustments both on and off the pitch, Barcelona’s reliance on its academy depth continues to be not just a philosophy, but a practical necessity.