Marc-André ter Stegen’s position has remained unwavering since the beginning of the season, despite losing his starting place in Barcelona’s goal to Juan Garcia.
The German goalkeeper, who returned last December after recovering from lower back surgery that sidelined him for four months, believes his future is linked to the city of Barcelona for personal reasons.
Ter Stegen has made it clear to the sports management: his contract extends until 2028, and he is determined to complete it. This position has remained firm even in the most difficult moments, including the temporary withdrawal of the captain’s armband for refusing to sign the medical report required by La Liga after the surgery.
Despite currently being a substitute for the former Spanish goalkeeper, who is considered Flick’s confirmed first choice, and the possibility of competing with “Szczęsny” for the second spot, the idea of leaving is completely out of the question.
According to the Spanish newspaper “Sport,” Ter Stegen doesn’t even want to listen to any offers from the English or Turkish leagues.
In this context, the option of moving to Girona on loan until the end of the season has emerged as a compromise, allowing him to stay close to his home and get a chance to play regularly.
But this scenario faces financial difficulties, as Girona must sell some players in the winter transfer window to bear part of the goalkeeper’s salary, which is a prerequisite for Barcelona’s approval.
Aside from financial matters, the real hesitation for Ter Stegen lies in the sporting aspect. The German goalkeeper did not consider Girona a possible option, especially since he has a clear plan in cooperation with the German Federation in preparation for the World Cup, in coordination with the sporting director “Rudi Völler” and the coach “Julian Nagelsmann.”
The plan is based on staying in Barcelona even if he doesn’t play regularly in La Liga and the Champions League, relying on him as the first goalkeeper in the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, in addition to national team matches, and perhaps some La Liga matches at the end of the season.
But this plan suffered an initial setback after Flick’s decision to give “Juan Garcia” the starting goalkeeper position in the Super Cup in Jeddah.
So far, this decision does not seem to affect Ter Stegen’s conviction, who prefers to participate in the Copa del Rey with Barcelona if he has the opportunity, over moving to Girona, especially in light of the team’s difficult situation, which is struggling to avoid relegation.
