Marc-André Ter Stegen is no longer untouchable at FC Barcelona, and the club is fully aware of it. The German goalkeeper has received two top-level offers that could bring an end to a glorious era. Although his contract is still valid, his departure is a more real option than ever.
The sporting management hasn't declared him transferable, but they won't shield him if a multi-million offer arrives. Flick has already been informed of the situation and won't put up obstacles if the player asks to leave. At 33 years old, Ter Stegen is open to a new challenge far from Camp Nou.
His injury history and the extremely high salary he receives make him a key piece for balancing the books. The club estimates that his transfer could bring in about €30 million ($32.4 million) and a huge salary margin. If the player himself agrees to leave, the operation will be quick and beneficial for all parties.
Ter Stegen in a match with Barça | @FCBarcelona_es
Internal symptoms are clear
For weeks, a change in the goalkeeper's attitude has been noticeable at Ciutat Esportiva. He participates less in group routines and has reduced his involvement in collective exercises. Some teammates, in fact, already consider him lost and discuss it privately.
Although there is no conflict, Ter Stegen's own circle has hinted that he is looking for a new beginning. He believes that he can still perform at the highest level for several more years in a different context. Above all, he wants to feel like the absolute protagonist again in a big team.
The two offers he has received would allow him to keep that status from day one at his new destination. Both clubs have insisted that he would be their undisputed starting goalkeeper, with no room for doubt or competition. The final decision is near, and the German will make it in a matter of days.
Ter Stegen | @mterstegen1
Flick, prudent but prepared
Hansi Flick hasn't pressured him to stay nor demanded his departure. He would like to have him for his experience and leadership, but he respects whatever personal decision he makes.
Ter Stegen has a contract, but nobody expects him to fulfill it if he decides to embark on a new adventure. At Barça, they know that the priority now is to avoid drama and facilitate an elegant exit.
The goalkeeper, meanwhile, remains silent. He has asked for time to think everything over, but he won't take long to speak out. The only sure thing is that, if he decides to leave, he will do so with everyone's respect and without any reproach.
Ter Stegen | @FCBarcelona
For weeks, there has been speculation about possible destinations in Italy, Germany, or even the United States. However, the two most serious offers have come from the same European city, where two giants await him. A city with history, rivalry, and outsized ambitions every season.
One of those clubs is looking for an immediate replacement for a highly questioned goalkeeper after a disappointing campaign. The other, a strategic bet to keep winning titles with reliability in goal for years. Both are willing to offer him a multi-million contract until 2028.
They are Manchester United and Manchester City, the two giants of northern England. Ter Stegen must decide whether he will defend the red of Old Trafford or the blue of Etihad Stadium. Whatever his choice, Barça is already preparing his farewell... and its future without its most iconic goalkeeper.
