Ter Stegen, on the way out

32

Ter Stegen
4.400.000€-

J38

0

J37

-

J36

-

J35

4

J34

PT

01

243

Joan García
6.640.000€10

J38

2

J37

2

J36

2

J35

10

J34

PT

28

Explosion at Can Barça. As revealed by RAC-1 on their late-night show Tu diràs, Joan Laporta was decisive in his speech to the board of directors: if Joan García says yes to the proposal already on the table, the future of Marc-André Ter Stegen at the Blaugrana club will be sealed. For the first time, the president explicitly stated that the German goalkeeper, captain, and symbol of the last cycle, is for sale.

The decision marks a turning point in Barça's goal. For a decade, Ter Stegen was untouchable. But the club no longer considers him indispensable. The plan does not involve a progressive transition. If the Perico goalkeeper agrees, he will assume the starting role from day one. No loans, no trials. Szczesny, on the other hand, is still waiting, and his renewal depends on the outcome with the current Espanyol goalkeeper.

Internally, the decline in the German's performance over the last few seasons weighs heavily, as well as his recent knee surgery: third operation on his right knee. The sports management is clear: it's time for a change, and Joan García represents an irresistible market opportunity. Although he has suitors like Newcastle or Manchester City, Barça is determined to sign him.

The big question is what will happen if Barça ultimately fails to sign the goalkeeper from Sallent. Unlike the case of Frenkie de Jong in 2022 —where the issue was his salary— here we have a purely sporting matter. The coaches no longer see Ter Stegen as a guarantee. And he, who still dreams of being a starter in the 2026 World Cup with Germany, will have to seek continuity… maybe away from the Camp Nou.