Yaakobishvili Heads to Almeria on Season-Long Loan

Barcelona have confirmed that young goalkeeper Aron Yaakobishvili has joined Spanish side Almeria on a season-long loan deal for the upcoming campaign. The move comes as the Catalan giants continue to reshuffle their goalkeeping ranks at the youth and reserve levels.

The transfer includes a purchase option, meaning Yaakobishvili could end up making his stay in Andalusia permanent if the deal works out for all parties involved. This mechanism has become increasingly common in Barcelona's outgoing loan deals, giving both the selling and borrowing clubs flexibility at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old stopper spent last season on loan at Andorra, where he made 21 appearances, gaining valuable first-team experience. Now he heads to Almeria, where he will link up with former Barcelona B coach García Pimienta, who currently manages the Almeria first team. The familiarity with Pimienta's methods and philosophy should help Yaakobishvili settle quickly into his new surroundings.

Pimienta won't be the only familiar face for the young goalkeeper. Quim Junyent, who also signed for Almeria this summer after leaving Barcelona, will provide another connection to his former club as he adapts to life in Andalusia.

Barcelona's Goalkeeping Exodus

Yaakobishvili is the second young goalkeeper to depart Barcelona ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. United States international Diego Kochen has also moved on, joining Danish side Lyngby Boldklub on loan — similarly with a purchase option attached to the deal.

With both Yaakobishvili and Kochen heading out the door, Barcelona Atletic's goalkeeping duties for the new season appear set to fall to Eder Aller and exciting young talent Iker Rodriguez, who will be tasked with anchoring the reserve side's defence between the posts.

The departures reflect Barcelona's ongoing strategy of developing young talent through strategic loan moves, giving their prospects the opportunity to gain competitive minutes while keeping the door open for a return — or a profitable permanent transfer — depending on how they fare away from La Masia.