Summer’s Close Call with Barcelona: How the Swiss Goalkeeper Rose to Glory
Introduction to a Career Turning Point
On September 5, 2025, Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer became the hero of Inter Milan, leading his team to a vital victory against Barcelona. His nearly flawless performance in goal brought accolades and marked a significant moment in his professional journey. This victory is particularly poignant given that Sommer was once on the verge of joining Barcelona back in 2019, a move that ultimately fell through.
Background on the Barcelona Negotiations
In 2019, during a period of instability in Barcelona’s goalkeeping department, Ramon Planes, the former technical director, engaged in negotiations with Sommer to serve as a backup to Marc-André ter Stegen. At that time, Sommer had already established himself as a reliable starter for Borussia Monchengladbach and gained attention for his impressive displays at the European Championships with the Swiss national team.
Barcelona was in search of a goalkeeper after Jasper Cillessen expressed a desire to leave, having been largely sidelined due to Ter Stegen’s undisputed position as the first-chostart keeper. Despite Sommer’s readiness to join the Catalan giants—along with a financial deal that was estimated to be below €9 million—the club ultimately pivoted towards acquiring Neto from Valencia via a high-profile trade involving Cillessen.
The Financial and Strategic Shift
While the prospect of signing Sommer was appealing due to his skills and fluency in Spanish—which he learned in childhood—financial constraints prevented the deal from being finalized. Barcelona hoped to generate funds from Cillessen’s potential transfer but ultimately could not secure a promising offer, forcing a reevaluation of their options.
The resolution was found in a trade for Neto, further complicating Sommer’s opportunity. Neto’s transfer to Barcelona assured him a starting position, while Cillessen’s promise of first-team football saw him leave for a club in the Premier League. Thus, Sommer missed out on what many believe would have been a dream opportunity to don the Barcelona kit.
A New Chapter Begins
It wasn’t until January 2023 that Sommer finally found himself in a prestigious club setup when he signed with Bayern Munich as a substitute for the injured Manuel Neuer. Seizing the moment, Sommer made a significant impact until Neuer returned, establishing himself as a valuable asset within the squad.
In the summer of the same year, Inter Milan recognized Sommer’s potential and experience as they sought a replacement for Andre Onana, who transferred to Manchester United for a substantial fee. Acquiring Sommer for €7 million proved to be a shrewd addition, leading to a series of standout performances, including a remarkable run that culminated in Inter reaching the UEFA Champions League final.
Conclusion
Yann Sommer’s journey from potential Barcelona goalkeeper to crucial player at Inter Milan underscores the unpredictability of football transfers and the resilience required to succeed at the highest levels. As he continues to make headlines, Sommer serves as a testament to the notion that opportunity often comes knocking when least expected