Barcelona extend goalkeeper Iker Rodriguez’s contract until 2029

Barcelona have extended the contract of 18-year-old goalkeeper Iker Rodriguez for three seasons until the summer of 2029, with an option to add a further two years and keep him at the club until 2031.

The agreement is designed to secure the future of one of Spain’s most promising young goalkeepers. Rodriguez signed the new deal on Friday afternoon in the presence of Jaume Santiveri, Jose Ramon Alexanko, Barcelona’s director of youth football, as well as his family and representatives, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

Rodriguez is the first-choice goalkeeper for Barcelona Atletic, who compete in Group Two of Spain’s second division. He has also made an official appearance for the first team this season after Hansi Flick called him up for the match against Sevilla.

The teenager was included in the squad to cover for Juan Garcia, who was unavailable because of a knee injury. Rodriguez also took part in part of Barcelona’s pre-season preparations under Flick before establishing himself as a regular for Barcelona Atletic.

Barcelona Atletic are managed by Juliano Belletti and currently lead Group Two of the Segunda RFEF. Rodriguez has conceded only four goals in their opening eight matches.

His previous contract was due to expire in 2027, but Barcelona began working on an extension at the start of July after several European clubs showed interest in the goalkeeper. The club considered an agreement over his continued stay to be effectively settled at that stage, although the signing was delayed by the need to coordinate schedules, complete administrative procedures and make several changes to the contract terms.

The new agreement means Barcelona have retained one of the leading emerging goalkeeping talents in Spanish football. Rodriguez joined the club at a young age after beginning his career with Can Rull in Sabadell.

He has also represented Spain at under-15, under-16, under-17, under-18 and under-19 level.

Barcelona’s initial plan in July was for Rodriguez and the currently injured Eder Aller to provide goalkeeping cover for the first-team pair Juan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny. That order of preference changed after the club signed Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic during the transfer window.

Rodriguez’s renewal nevertheless ensures Barcelona will continue to develop a goalkeeper they regard as an important part of their long-term plans.