Barça has stepped on the accelerator in its exit strategy for this transfer window. With the need to free up wage bill and generate income, the club is working to place several players who aren't in Flick's plans.
Among the names that are being mentioned most strongly are Ansu Fati, Pau Víctor, Pablo Torre, and Andreas Christensen. None of them have had a real role this past season under the German's orders. Flick has opted for other profiles and these players, despite their talent, haven't managed to establish themselves in the team's system.
Joan García, Barça signing
In parallel with the departures, Barça already has Joan García secured. Espanyol's goalkeeper will become a new Barça player in the coming days, once the club pays the €25 million ($25 million) release clause. The deal is ready to be finalized and the official announcement is expected soon.
Joan's arrival responds to a clear future plan. Barça wants to rejuvenate the goalkeeping position and bet on national talent. Joan García has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Spanish soccer and his signing is considered a great market opportunity.
Ter Stegen on the way out
Precisely because of Joan García's arrival, the club has decided to make a move in the goalkeeping position as well. Ter Stegen, until now undisputed, is on the list of possible departures. The board believes that with the addition of the young Espanyol player, it doesn't make sense to keep the German, both because of his role and his high salary.
Ter Stegen has been an important figure for years, but his performance and salary burden have made Barça see his departure as a priority. In addition, freeing up his salary would be a significant relief for the club financially, which would make new moves in the market easier.
Key meeting to agree on the departure
In the coming days, there will be a key meeting between Ter Stegen's camp and the club. Barça's goal is to reach a friendly agreement that allows the goalkeeper's departure without creating tensions. He'll be offered a letter of freedom and payment of part of his remaining contract to facilitate the agreement.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Ter Stegen has already received concrete offers from Saudi Arabia and several European clubs. Barça trusts these options will appeal to the goalkeeper and make his exit easier. The club's intention is to close this chapter with elegance and open the door to a new era in goal with Joan García as the main figure.