For several seasons now, Marc-André ter Stegen has been a key piece in Barcelona's first team. His leadership, his quality between the posts, and his experience have made him one of the club's captains for good reason. However, today, everything seems to indicate that his time at the Catalan club could be coming to an end.
Barça's sporting management has started to move in the market, and the goal no longer seems to be completely secured for the German goalkeeper. The imminent arrival of Joan García has set off the alarm: the young Espanyol goalkeeper will be presented in the coming days as a new Barça player. This makes it clear that those in Camp Nou offices have made a firm decision regarding the future of the goal, and both Deco and Laporta are looking for solutions.
Barça finds an escape route
Although Hansi Flick keeps his trust in Ter Stegen, Laporta has chosen a very different stance. The Barça president has started to offer the goalkeeper in the market, and one of the clubs Barcelona has contacted is Manchester United. At Old Trafford, they are looking to replace André Onana after a disappointing season, and Barça sees this operation as a way to move Ter Stegen on and obtain significant income.
The German goalkeeper, who recently recovered from a major injury that kept him off the field for almost the entire season, has made it clear that he doesn't intend to leave the Catalan club. His desire is to remain the starter and prepare to play in the next World Cup with Germany in 2026. However, he also knows that if he loses his spot with the arrival of Joan García, his chances of continuity would be seriously compromised.
The bet on the future
Joan García's signing marks a turning point in Barça's planning: at just 24 years old, he arrives after a stellar season. The fact that his release clause is only €25 million has been decisive for the blaugrana club not to let him get away.
Meanwhile, Iñaki Peña is expected to be transferred and Wojciech Szczesny, who has everything practically set to continue at Barça, will sign in the coming days. All this leaves a clear picture: Joan García will arrive to compete directly for the starting spot, which makes it clear that the generational change in the goal is already underway.