Marc-André ter Stegen has been much more than a goalkeeper in FC Barcelona's history. Since he arrived at the Catalan club in 2014, the German goalkeeper has built a solid career as a culé, becoming one of the team's captains and key figures. His security under the posts and his footwork marked an era, and for years no one questioned his starting position.
However, after a season marked by his long injury, his situation at Barça has started to change. His recent return to competition, right at the decisive stage of the season, has not completely erased the doubts that settled in the goal during his significant absence. Szczesny, who arrived as a temporary reinforcement, has performed excellently, and some sectors of the coaching staff believe he could continue competing for the starting position.
the market pressures for ter Stegen
With this new scenario, clubs interested in the German goalkeeper have emerged. Two clubs from Saudi Arabia have conveyed to Ter Stegen's camp their intention to sign him in the upcoming summer transfer window. The proposals would be very attractive from an economic standpoint and could represent a significant transfer for Barça, which values any income given the need to balance accounts.
For now, Ter Stegen has not decided his future. His priority remains Barcelona, but he wants certainties: he wants to know if he will be the starting goalkeeper in the new project led by Hansi Flick. The arrival of another goalkeeper or direct competition could lead him to consider a change of scenery.
Barça is considering it
At this point, Ter Stegen is not considering leaving without reason, but he will not accept a secondary role without clear explanations. All this without mentioning that the sporting management also intends to rejuvenate the goalkeeping position, with names like Joan García on the radar. The Espanyol goalkeeper, only 23 years old, has had an outstanding season and has an affordable release clause of 30 million euros.
Deco and company are closely following him as a possible bet for the present and future, capable of competing from the first moment. Meanwhile, Ter Stegen has a contract until 2028 and his high salary, age, and the offers he has could open the doors to his unexpected sale. Everything will depend on the conversations he has with Flick, the culé roadmap, and market movements.