Barcelona chief admits Ter Stegen ‘would probably be playing’ if he was fit

Barcelona sporting director Deco has turned heads early this week, courtesy of a round of quotes regarding Marc-André ter Stegen.

Goalkeeper Ter Stegen is for his part of course sidelined long-term at present.

This comes after the German international was forced under the knife, to solve a long-term issue in his back.

The widespread expectation was that Ter Stegen would not have been featuring on a frequent basis for Hansi Flick’s side, anyway, following the summer signing of Joan García.

Speaking during an interview with Mundo Deportivo (as cited by Fabrizio Romano) this week, the subject of Barca’s long-time shot-stopper’s place in Catalunya’s capital at present was in turn put to the aforementioned Deco.

And after first confirming that there are currently no plans in place for a winter sale, the Blaugrana chief surprisingly suggested that Ter Stegen would in fact ‘be playing’ if fit:

“There’s no January plan around Ter Stegen exit. If he was fit, he’d probably be playing — he’s our captain. Joan García was about present and future. Signing him wasn’t ‘against’ Ter Stegen; it was smart planning.”

🚨 Barça director Deco: “There’s no January plan around Ter Stegen exit. If he was fit, he’d probably be playing — he’s our captain”, told Mundo Deportivo.

“Joan García was about present and future. Signing him wasn’t ‘against’ Ter Stegen; it was smart planning”. pic.twitter.com/BzSECC3GUQ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 30, 2025

Conor Laird – GSFN