The official announcement and presentation of Joan García with FC Barcelona has only served to fuel rumors about the future of captain Marc-André Ter Stegen. The new goalkeeper for the Azulgrana team arrives to be the starter, and the club’s idea is for him to partner with Szczesny, whom they want to renew for another season. In this equation, the German goalkeeper has made it clear in public statements that he wants to finish his contract with the Catalan club and will not make his departure easy.
Ter Stegen relaxes in Greece with his new girlfriend
Amid all the controversy surrounding his future and possible departure from Barça, Ter Stegen remains aloof and is enjoying his vacation in Greece, where he has made an important announcement by introducing his new girlfriend. The German posted pictures of a girl on Instagram with the message “junts” (together). She is a Catalan girl named Ona. It should be remembered that the F.C. Barcelona goalkeeper and his ex-wife announced the end of their relationship on March 6.
Barça’s doubts and pending conversation with Hansi Flick
Beyond the arrival of the new goalkeeper, in recent hours another reason has emerged why the door could be opening for the German player. Barcelona has serious doubts about Ter Stegen’s knee. It was a very serious injury and he needs playing time to return to his best, something the club is not going to provide, according to Catalunya Radio.
Right now, the situation seems very tense between the two parties, and the player is very unhappy with how everything has been handled by the club. Those close to him believe that a conversation about his future and role in the team is needed. At Barça, they believe that, out of respect, the conversation between Flick and Ter Stegen should take place face to face when they both return from vacation, according to Mundo Deportivo.
A complicated departure
His departure could be important for the club in terms of freeing up salary space and being able to register Joan García and Iñaki Williams. The player’s stance on leaving the club has been firm in all his statements since the news broke of Joan García’s possible signing and the need to offload the goalkeeper, something the club is willing to do.
“I always want to give my all and be on the pitch, and I will do everything I can to achieve that in the future and as long as I continue playing,” added the German. “I am very excited about next season. I think we can achieve a lot of success because we will have learned and the team has more experience.” That is what Ter Stegen said a few weeks ago, making it clear that whatever happens, he is Barça’s goalkeeper.
The player’s wishes are one thing, but the reality he will have to face next season is quite another. If Szczesny and Joan García are above him, being the third goalkeeper could be tough for the player, so we will have to wait and see how things unfold over the coming weeks.
In principle, Ter Stegen has attracted interest from several European clubs and there was even talk of an agreement with Galatasaray. In principle, the player’s decision to stay is firm and it seems unlikely that any team could match the conditions he has with Barça, with whom he has a contract until 2028. If no offer is made, the club could opt to terminate his contract if it needs to free up space in its wage bill, but the goalkeeper is unlikely to be cooperative, demanding every last cent of the $42 million he would be owed over the remaining three years of his contract.