The main issue currently concerning Barça in this summer transfer window is none other than Ter Stegen's future. The German goalkeeper, who has been a key piece in the team's recent years, now finds himself in a complicated situation: the club wants him to look for an exit. Tension between both parties is rising and threatens to become a summer soap opera.
Ter Stegen has a valid contract and feels comfortable both personally and professionally in the city. His high salary and veteran status put him in the spotlight of the board, which is looking to reduce the wage bill and rejuvenate. However, the goalkeeper doesn't seem willing to give in or make things easier for a negotiated exit, which complicates the club's plans.
Joan García and Tek, the bet
Barça has already made a clear decision regarding the goal for next season. Joan García, recently signed from Espanyol, will be one of the two first-team goalkeepers. The young Catalan goalkeeper has been one of the great revelations of LaLiga and arrives to be important from day one.
Alongside him will be Tek, who has renewed. Although he arrived as a temporary solution, his performances convinced the coaching staff and the sporting management.
Ter Stegen resists leaving
Despite this scenario, Ter Stegen doesn't intend to make things easier. The German is comfortable in Barcelona, both because of his personal life and his career at the club. He doesn't want to move unless he receives an offer that truly convinces him and, for now, none of the options that have emerged seem attractive enough to him.
From the club, however, they're starting to apply pressure. Ter Stegen has been told he won't be the starter and that the project's bet is going in another direction. The goal is to push him to reconsider his situation and seriously consider an exit this summer.
A top player could enter the scene
According to El Nacional, a solution could be closer than expected. Inter Milan, which could lose Yann Sommer in the coming weeks, has shown interest in signing Ter Stegen as a possible replacement. The Italian club needs a reliable goalkeeper and the German's profile fits what they're looking for: experience, leadership, and security between the posts.
If Sommer's exit is finalized, Inter would be willing to make a formal offer for Ter Stegen in the coming days. Now, everything depends on whether the German goalkeeper agrees to take the step. In any case, decisive days are coming for Camp Nou goal.