Marc-André ter Stegen will continue as Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper next season, despite all the talk about the possibility of signing a new goalkeeper this summer.
Reports have emerged that Barcelona wants to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia in a deal that would be inexpensive, as the Spanish goalkeeper’s release clause is only €25 million.
The original plan was for Garcia to join immediately and become Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper, or at least compete with Ter Stegen for his position.
However, according to Catalan media, this plan changed 180 degrees in less than hours, and the secret lies in Ter Stegen’s intervention, who was extremely angry at this proposal.
Barcelona officials believe they need a new, young goalkeeper, but Ter Stegen is determined to leave his position next season, regardless of the cost, even if it means participating with Germany at the 2026 World Cup.
For this reason, and given Ter Stegen’s clear control over decision-making at Barcelona, the club will work to sign Juan Garcia, but he will be loaned out for the entire next season.
Valencia is currently the most likely destination for Garcia on loan, especially since the Bats want to replace goalkeeper Mamardashvili, who is joining Liverpool.
Szczesny’s position on whether to continue is still unknown, and if he accepts a contract renewal, it will likely be the latter option. Ter Stegen does not intend to be a substitute again and risk missing out on the World Cup, no matter the cost.
