Marc-André ter Stegen's future at Barcelona is starting to generate more and more doubts and uncertainty. Although he remains the starting goalkeeper, the team's planning points toward an imminent transition in goal. In this context, a new offeror has emerged, ready to facilitate the German's departure.
The club has already finalized the signing of Joan García, a young goalkeeper who is expected to be important in the short term. In addition, veteran Wojciech Szczesny is close to renewing and will bring experience to the group. All this leaves Ter Stegen in an uncomfortable position, with fewer guarantees of continuity.
His contract includes several deferred salary payments, which complicates the financial structure of the culé team. In Barcelona's current economic situation, freeing up the wage bill is a priority. If a concrete offer arrives, the club led by Joan Laporta doesn't rule out cashing in.
Preliminary contacts and a clear intention
The player's entourage has already received the first contacts to find out his willingness to seek a change of scenery. Although Ter Stegen has expressed his desire to stay, he doesn't close the door if the right sporting conditions are met. Playing in the Champions League is once again a strong incentive.
Interest in the goalkeeper is high due to his great international reputation and consistent performance in recent seasons. At 33 years old, Ter Stegen remains at the top level and aims to be a protagonist at the 2026 World Cup with Germany. He wants to keep competing at the highest level, something that is not guaranteed with the current rotation proposed by Hansi Flick.
The club interested in signing him is looking for a consolidated starting goalkeeper, with leadership and reliability in big matches. Its goal is to make a qualitative leap in European competitions after a season with ups and downs between the posts. The German's profile meets all the sporting requirements and also fits its economic plan.
During talks for other players, his name came up as a strategic option. There has even been talk of including him as part of a broader agreement, thus facilitating his departure. The culé sporting management, led by Deco, has not closed the door and considers it a sensible operation.
Barcelona and the need to adjust its squad
Goalkeeper is one of the positions where Barcelona needs clarity for the new project. Hansi Flick wants real competition but also order and clear hierarchy in every position. With the arrival of Joan García and Szczesny's continuity, there is an overpopulation in goal.
Ter Stegen could be the one sacrificed if an offer appears that fits the club's parameters. Freeing up his salary would help balance the books and strengthen other more urgent positions. In addition, Deco values that this would be a mutually agreed departure, with respect for the German's legacy.
The German coach, although he values the goalkeeper, understands that cycles must end at the right time. There will be no obstacles if a competitive structure in goal is guaranteed for the 2025/26 season. Flick has already worked with rotations at previous clubs and doesn't see this situation as a weakness.
The goalkeeper, meanwhile, keeps an open stance and wants to feel important next season. If the offer allows him to remain at the top level and fight for titles, he will seriously consider the change. At this point in his career, he values both the sporting project and the personal and family context.
Monaco, the club behind the operation
Finally, it has become known that the team behind this move is AS Monaco. The Principality's club is looking for a top-level goalkeeper after a very inconsistent defensive campaign. It has already shown interest in other names such as André Onana, but Ter Stegen is the favorite of the sporting management.
During negotiations for Ansu Fati, the Monegasque club also made clear its intention to sign the German. Although there is still no official offer, talks are very advanced between both parties. The fact that it will play in the next Champions League has been key for the German to consider the move.
Barcelona, if this departure is finalized, would see its wage costs reduced and would move forward in its restructuring process. For Ter Stegen, it would be an ideal opportunity to remain at the top level with an attractive project. In the coming days, important developments could occur that will define one of the most talked-about moves of the summer.