Ter Stegen bids farewell to Barcelona

Marc-Andre ter Stegen intends to depart from Barcelona in January 2026 following over ten years of commitment, with his status under Hansi Flick no longer secure.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, a long-standing icon of Barcelona’s goalkeeping for nearly a decade, is preparing to say goodbye to the Catalan club. According to sources from Fútbol Fantasy, the German goalkeeper is ready to submit a transfer request in January 2026, once he has fully recovered from his back injury.

At 33 years old, Ter Stegen realizes his time is limited. After nearly a year sidelined due to surgery, he wants regular playing time to regain form and maintain his place in the German national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, the situation at Camp Nou has changed, and his role is no longer assured.

Since Hansi Flick took charge, Barcelona has undergone significant personnel strategy changes. The arrival of young goalkeeper Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczęsny’s contract extension until 2027 have put Ter Stegen’s position in jeopardy.

According to the management’s assessment, Ter Stegen no longer fits the club’s new sporting direction. Barcelona aims to reduce the wage bill and promote younger players, while the German keeper’s salary remains among the highest in the squad. Therefore, parting ways is seen as a reasonable choice for both parties.

Ter Stegen is expected to fully recover by early January and plans to request a transfer immediately afterward. Sitting on the bench for the rest of the season is not an option for him. He wants to find a new club where he can play regularly and prove he remains one of Europe’s top goalkeepers.

Close sources reveal that Ter Stegen’s priority is to play regularly to keep his chances alive for the 2026 World Cup. The German national team staff, including coach Julian Nagelsmann, are reportedly waiting for his return to compete for the starting spot.

Unlike previous years, Barcelona no longer intends to hold onto Ter Stegen at all costs. The Catalan club is said to have opened negotiations, willing to accept either a loan deal or a permanent transfer.

Although Ter Stegen’s contract runs until 2028, the club believes his departure will help balance finances and stabilize the squad. This decision is not only sporting but also a necessary step for Barcelona to continue evolving after this transitional period.

Since joining Barcelona in 2014, Ter Stegen has become a defensive symbol, helping the team win five La Liga titles and one Champions League. If he leaves in January, it will close an 11-year chapter full of brilliance and challenges.