Spanish media outlets are confirming that Barcelona’s management is determined to play next season without Ter Stegen, based on the opinion of coach Hansi Flick and the strong support he receives from president Joan Laporta.
Barcelona is close to finalizing the signing of Juan Garcia, who will join from Espanyol for just €25 million, with clear promises from Flick and Deco that he will be the starting goalkeeper next season.
Barcelona’s plan for this stage is clear: Garcia is the starting goalkeeper, Szczesny will extend his contract for a year and will serve as his backup, while relying on a third, young goalkeeper from La Masia. Ter Stegen is completely out of the picture.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s management intends to raise Ter Stegen’s concerns, hoping this will change his current stance of refusing to leave.
Barça officials will do the same thing they did last year with Ilkay Gündogan, which led to his departure: clearly inform Ter Stegen that he will almost certainly not play if he stays. This will make the goalkeeper unhappy, especially since it threatens his participation in the 2026 World Cup with the German national team.
Laporta’s management has high hopes that Ter Stegen will leave, fearing missing out on the World Cup. However, the current position is that the German is clinging to his chances and believes he can continue as a starter next season.
It’s worth noting that Ter Stegen’s huge salary is one of the main obstacles to his departure. No club in the world is willing to pay him that salary, or even one close to it, especially after his recent injury and prolonged absence from the field.
