The Barcelona continues to try to put out fires on all fronts. First, it was Nico Williams turning them down, now they have to find another striker. And the one that is more alive than ever is the goalkeeper. Pre-season has already begun for the Catalans and right now there is an overbooking in goal, with the newly signed Joan García, the two-year contract renewal for Szczesny and the two goalkeepers that Hansi Flick will not be counting on for next season: Iñaki Peña and Marc-André Ter Stegen.
The focus of attention at Can Barça is on the German goalkeeper, as he is one of the captains and has been one of the most important players of the last decade at the club. The idea is to find him a way out, and clubs such as Galatasaray and Monaco have come knocking on his door, but for now, he is still thinking about staying to fight for his place. The big problem arises when Barcelona’s decision seems to be final with no possibility of change, but Ter Stegen’s refusal would seriously affect the club, as they would not be able to reduce their wage bill and the issue of registrations would remain unresolved.
Ter Stegen remains on the sidelines
The preseason for Barcelona has officially begun and the players are already training under Hansi Flick, but there is a notable absence on the pitch: Ter Stegen. On both Monday and Tuesday, the German goalkeeper did not train with the rest of his teammates and remained in the gym. It is claimed that this is due to physical problems, but the truth is that, given the situation the German is going through, doubts are arising, as he is standing up to a Barça that wants him to leave, but he does not see that departure in a positive light.
It should be remembered that Joan García, who has arrived to take his place as first-choice keeper, began training at the Joan Gamper Sports Complex a few days before the start of preseason. This prompted Ter Stegen to also decide to return early, as he is clear that he wants to compete with the Catalan keeper for the starting spot at Barcelona. It seems unlikely that he will achieve this, as the Blaugrana club seems to have made the decision to go with the former Espanyol player.
Ter Stegen’s decision
Ter Stegen is clear that he wants to stay at Barcelona. The German goalkeeper is happy in Barcelona and is one of the team’s captains. In addition, he has a contract with the club until 2028, so it looks like a very complicated situation, both for the Catalan club and for the former Borussia Mönchengladbach player. Hansi Flick has already told him that he is not counting on him as first-choice goalkeeper, as Barça’s new signing is Joan García, who has arrived from Espanyol after being one of the big names in LaLiga.
Marc-André Ter Stegen’s decision seems firm, but as the preseason progresses, everything could change with the pressure that Barcelona will continue to exert. The German will also become aware of the reality he will face if he decides to stay at Camp Nou, as he will not get any playing time and his presence at next summer’s World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, could be in jeopardy, thus losing his goal of defending his country’s goal.