Barcelona has made a firm decision regarding one of its key players. After several months of internal reflection, the blaugrana club has decided. Barcelona has already informed Marc-André ter Stegen that he won't be the starting goalkeeper next season, a difficult decision that responds to the need to begin a new era. The arrival of Joan García, the great revelation of LaLiga, has hastened the change of goalkeeper and probably a new cycle at Barcelona.
The young Catalan goalkeeper arrives with the backing of Deco and Hansi Flick, who see him as the ideal goalkeeper to lead the new project. Ter Stegen, although recovered from his injury, no longer has a place in the starting line-up; the sporting management believes his cycle has ended. The club wants to cash in with a sale that will ease Financial Fair Play, but the German isn't making it easy.
Barça owes the Monchengladbach goalkeeper €42 million, which he is demanding in order to leave the club. This is a high figure for a club for a footballer who will turn 34 in 2026 and who is coming off a long period of inactivity. However, the club trusts that his name and world-class experience still have a market; for now, there are inquiries and some interesting offers for the German goalkeeper.
The Turks push for the goalkeeper
Turkish club Galatasaray has made a move; the Ottoman club wants to make a splash in the market and has contacted Ter Stegen directly. The deal has a surprise element: the involvement of Leroy Sané. The German winger, who could also join Istanbul this summer, has personally called the goalkeeper to convince him to join the project.
At the Istanbul club, he would get playing time, a more than competitive salary, and the chance to play in the Champions League. All of this would be in an environment where German players are feeling increasingly comfortable. The Turkish club is looking to consolidate its dominance in the Super Lig and add international experience to its squad; Ter Stegen would fit in perfectly.
Nagelsmann pressures the player
Julian Nagelsmann, Germany's national team coach, is closely following the situation; Ter Stegen is his starting goalkeeper, but he is concerned about the possibility that he could spend another season on the bench. The 2026 World Cup is approaching, and the German coach wants his goalkeeper to arrive with match fitness. Any scenario that involves playing time is positive for him.
Despite everything, Ter Stegen doesn't want to leave; the goalkeeper is fully settled in Barcelona and enjoys Mediterranean life. He feels valued by those around him, and his family has also put down roots in the city. He isn't willing to force an exit and is resisting leaving Camp Nou, even though the club no longer counts on him.
FC Barcelona, however, has been very clear; there will be no turning back on the decision, Joan García will be the starter, and the club needs to free up salary space. If Ter Stegen refuses to leave, his role will be secondary, and he will be relegated to the bench. The German now faces the toughest dilemma of his career: stay in his comfort zone or accept a new challenge.