Barça still has a problem with Marc-André ter Stegen, who will be off the field for about four months. The German goalkeeper had to undergo surgery for his back, an ailment he had been dealing with for some time.
Joan García, the starting goalkeeper for the coming years
Despite Ter Stegen's track record and importance in recent years, the club has decided to look ahead. Joan García, signed this summer from Espanyol, is considered by the sporting management as the starting goalkeeper for the coming years. At just 24 years old, he has already impressed during preseason and has caused great trust from Hansi Flick and his coaching staff.
The commitment to Joan is strong and responds to a medium-term strategy. Barça understands that it needs stability in goal and believes it has found in him the ideal goalkeeper to lead the team from the back.
Pressure for a January exit
With this scenario, Barça intends to seek an exit for Ter Stegen in the next winter transfer window. In summer, his injury complicates any transfer, but in January, with the goalkeeper recovered, a window will open to find him a new destination.
The club's goal is to free up wage bill space to be able to register new players and keep the financial balance imposed by LaLiga's fair play. Ter Stegen's departure would free up a significant part of the payroll, making future signings easier.
The World Cup, Barça's trump card
The main asset Barça has to convince Ter Stegen is his personal ambition. The goalkeeper wants to play in the 2026 World Cup with the German national team and, to aim for the starting spot, he needs to arrive at the tournament with regular playing time. Staying on the Barça bench could reduce his chances of competing with Alexander Nübel.
The message will be that, to keep his chances of being Germany's number one alive, he needs a team where he plays every week. If Ter Stegen agrees, a transfer beneficial for all parties could open up, thus marking the end of one era and the beginning of another in Barça's goal.