By OkayGoal 
Diego Kochen is heading to the Danish Superliagen for the 2026-27 European season.
Kochen has joined newly-promoted Lyngby on a season-long loan spell from Barcelona, both clubs announced Friday. The 20-year-old’s loan also includes an option for Lyngby to buy him outright at the end of the loan.
“I have reached a point in my career where the most important thing is to play,” Kochen said. “I need a lot of minutes and experience, and Lyngby is the right place for me. It is a unique and fantastic environment here.
“On my first day, I was greeted by a lot of friendly people, and I could quickly feel that I had joined a family. This is not just a football club – it is a family, and I think that will help me both on and off the pitch,” he added.
Kochen joined Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy in 2019 but is still waiting for his senior debut with the Catalan club. He has previously played for Barcelona’s Under-19 side and reserve team, most recently making 20 appearances for Barca Atletic in the 2025-26 campaign.
Kochen has worked his way up through the U.S. youth national team ranks, featuring for the Under-16’s, U-17’s, U-19’s and U-20’s.
His loan spell with Lyngby should provide Kochen with a great opportunity to earn consistent playing time in a top-flight.
“Goalkeeping contracts are always a bit special,” said Lyngby sporting director Nicas Kjeldsen. “For young goalkeepers, it’s first and foremost about playing time, and there’s not always a lot of that. We hope that we’ve found the right match here, where Diego both gets the opportunity to play and at the same time is already good enough to help us.
“We are bringing in an incredibly talented goalkeeper, and we are convinced that in a few years he will be playing at one of the biggest venues in European football,” he added.
Lyngby will begin its league campaign on July 26 against FC København.