From Lyngby’s autumn touchlines to the United States camp, Diego Kochen has turned a sharp start in Denmark into his first senior international call-up. The 20-year-old Barcelona goalkeeper is one of two young keepers on loan from the Catalan club whose international paths are drawing attention, alongside Hungary’s Aron Yaakobishvili at Almería.
Key takeaways
- Mauricio Pochettino has included Kochen in the United States senior squad for the first time.
- The American goalkeeper could feature across four US matches scheduled for September and October.
- Kochen is competing with three other goalkeepers in a 28-man squad.
- Lyngby hold a €1.5 million purchase option on the Barcelona loanee, whose deal runs until 2027.
- Barcelona would retain 40 percent of Kochen’s rights should the Danish club activate that clause.
- Yaakobishvili has not been selected by Hungary as he seeks a regular starting place at Almería.
Kochen’s Danish form earns US recognition
Kochen’s rise has come through his early-season performances for Lyngby, where he has established himself in the Danish league after leaving Barcelona on loan. His form has been strong enough to bring him into Pochettino’s plans for the upcoming international window, offering the goalkeeper a possible senior debut for the country he represents.
The arrangement in Denmark gives Lyngby the opportunity to make the move permanent for €1.5 million. Barcelona, however, have protected their longer-term interest in the goalkeeper: if that option is exercised, the Spanish club would still hold 40 percent of his rights.
For Kochen, the next challenge is to move from a first senior selection into the matchday picture. The United States have named four goalkeepers overall, meaning the Barcelona player will need to compete for minutes during the September and October fixtures.
Hungary ask Yaakobishvili to settle in at Almería
Yaakobishvili, also 20, has already reached Hungary’s senior side. He made his international debut at the end of last season under Marco Rossi, but the Hungary coach has left him out of this squad following the goalkeeper’s move from Barcelona to Almería.
Rossi said he had discussed the situation with the player, noting that Yaakobishvili had played only one match for Barcelona this season before departing on loan. The coach’s view is that the immediate priority is for the young Hungarian to become Almería’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.
That remains a work in progress in Andalusia. Under García Pimienta, Yaakobishvili is currently behind the experienced Andrés Fernández, leaving his club minutes—and therefore his route back into Hungary’s international plans—dependent on changing that hierarchy.
