Ter Stegen is going through one of the most delicate moments since he arrived at Barça. Despite being the team's first captain and a key piece for years, the German goalkeeper is receiving signals to leave. From within the club, his inner circle feels like they're pushing him out, in what seems to be a calculated move to make room for a new era in goal.
The situation has caused strong discomfort for the player, who didn't expect this kind of treatment after nearly a decade defending the blaugrana goal. Being captain hasn't protected him, and right now, the prevailing feeling in his inner circle is that of a hidden betrayal.
The arrival of Joan García and the leaks
The turning point came with the signing of Joan García. The young Espanyol goalkeeper has been brought in as a clear message for the future, but his arrival has had an immediate impact. Not only because he wasn't informed directly, but also because he believes the club has acted coldly, without the slightest gesture of respect.
The most serious thing for the German, however, hasn't been the competition, but the malicious leaks that've appeared in recent weeks. Rumors of unprofessional behavior by Ter Stegen have been spread, right at the moment when his continuity is being questioned the most. His inner circle believes this is a club strategy to force his departure, tarnishing his image.
An exit to free up salary
Ter Stegen is one of the highest-paid players in the squad, and his departure would allow the club to free up a significant amount of salary cap space. That margin is key to registering Joan García and the highly likely signing of Nico Williams, which is about to be finalized.
The board sees a transfer that would help balance the books in a positive light. Although they don't say it openly, the move responds to an unavoidable economic logic at Barça right now, since the German has a high salary.
A destination emerges
Amid this atmosphere, a light at the end of the tunnel could change the captain's course. According to El Nacional, Manchester City would be interested in his services. Pep Guardiola doesn't fully trust Ederson after an inconsistent season, and sees Ter Stegen as a reliable alternative.
For the German goalkeeper, this option could represent more than just a simple club change, since this would be a dignified exit. While moves to push him out intensify at Barça, Ter Stegen could find in Manchester the place where he feels valued again.