Ter Stegen has been the first to take a step forward in Barça's preseason. Although the club had planned to officially start training this Sunday, the German goalkeeper voluntarily showed up at the club's facilities on Wednesday.
The goalkeeper, who has spent a decade defending Barça's goal, knows that this preseason will be different. Despite his status in the locker room, Ter Stegen is aware of the rumors surrounding him and has wanted to get ahead of any situation. However, what is to come may mark a turning point in his career.
Flick will meet with Ter Stegen
In the coming days, the club has scheduled a meeting between Hansi Flick and Ter Stegen himself. The purpose of that meeting is for the German coach to personally inform the goalkeeper that he will no longer be the team's starter. Flick's choice is Joan García, who has arrived with the support of the coaching staff and the backing of the sporting management.
This move is part of the restructuring Flick wants to implement from the goal forward. Despite the respect he has for Ter Stegen, the coach believes it is time for a change and wants to make that clear from the start of preseason. In that sense, the conversation with the veteran goalkeeper will serve to invite him to look for an exit before the competition officially begins.
Barça looks to free up salaries
Ter Stegen is currently one of the highest-paid players in the blaugrana squad. His salary represents a considerable burden for the club, which is still looking for ways to lighten its wage bill and comply with the financial limits imposed by La Liga.
Freeing up the German's salary would give the club more room to maneuver in other operations and would make it easier to bring in reinforcements. For this reason, beyond the technical aspect, the club believes that his departure is necessary and beneficial for all parties. The priority is to reach an agreement that respects Ter Stegen's career at the club but at the same time allows progress in the new era.
A great offer
In this regard, Galatasaray has emerged as one of the main candidates to acquire the services of the German goalkeeper. According to El Nacional, the Ottoman club has intensified contacts and would be willing to take on his salary to convince him. The interest is serious and the sporting project is attractive.
The Turkish side already has important names such as Leroy Sané and Mauro Icardi, which could make the German goalkeeper's decision easier. The possibility of sharing a locker room with compatriots and competing in Europe is a real temptation. In the coming weeks, it will be known whether Ter Stegen will end his time at Barça to start a new adventure in Istanbul.