Ter Stegen refuses to leave Barcelona next January, even if it costs him his place in the German national team for the 2026 World Cup.
According to the newspaper “Sport,” Ter Stegen refuses to give up and has decided to fight for his starting goalkeeper position at Barcelona in the coming period, even though Hansi Flick has made it clear that Juan Garcia will remain number one.
The 33-year-old hopes to get more playing time in the Copa del Rey after playing the full match against Guadalajara in the round of 32, and he expects to do the same in the next round, which is scheduled to be played in two weeks.
Ter Stegen also hasn’t given up hope of playing in the Spanish Super Cup, which kicks off on January 7 against Athletic Bilbao in Saudi Arabia. He believes he is currently Flick’s second choice, and anything could happen to Juan Garcia that would ultimately lead to him breaking into the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, the only serious offer on the table for Ter Stegen is from Girona, but it doesn’t suit Barcelona. The regional giants would have to pay the majority of the German’s salary, something Joan Laporta’s administration is keen to avoid at the moment.
Ter Stegen’s insistence on staying doesn’t guarantee his continued presence at Barcelona. The goalkeeper will first wait to see what happens in January and whether he’ll be playing in the Copa del Rey again or if Flick will prefer Szczesny. He will also be monitoring the overall situation regarding Garcia before making his final decision.
