Barça faces a complicated scenario with one of its players, whose departure would be key to easing the wage bill. The club needs to free up financial space and considers this sale a priority, but the market hasn't replied as desired.
The problem lies in the fact that there isn't any real interest from other teams nor has he wanted to leave. The situation is worsened because a replacement is already in place and, even so, an agreement allowing his departure hasn't been found.
Ter Stegen, in the spotlight
That player is Marc-André ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper is injured and will be out for four months after undergoing back surgery, which has halted any possibility of a transfer. Despite this, the club desired that he could accept a departure, especially after it was confirmed that Joan García will be the starter.
Ter Stegen, however, hasn't wanted to move. His contract and personal situation have led him to reject any possibility of leaving the club this summer. For Barça, this decision complicates squad management, since Joan García is not only the current goalkeeper but also the bet for the future.
No offers in the market
To all this is added that Ter Stegen hasn't received concrete offers, not even from clubs that, in theory, needed to strengthen the goalkeeping position. The most striking case is PSG, which was searching for a goalkeeper after sidelining Gianluigi Donnarumma.
At Barça, there was hope that PSG could submit a proposal, given that Ter Stegen is a proven goalkeeper, with Champions League experience and a high competitive level. However, that call never came, leaving the German without immediate options for a change of scenery.
PSG chooses Chevalier
Finally, PSG has chosen another path. The Parisian club has signed Lucas Chevalier, a goalkeeper from Lille, in a move aimed at securing a project for the future. Chevalier, despite not being as proven as Ter Stegen, has been the choice of Luis Enrique and PSG's sporting management for the goalkeeping position.
This move leaves Ter Stegen without clear alternatives and Barça with a problem to solve. The German's continuity means keeping a high salary for a player who won't be a starter, which limits moves in the market.