FC Barcelona captain Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is in the final phase of his recovery after undergoing back surgery in July, and all indications suggest that he will be ready to play again from January. Ho...
FC Barcelona captain Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is in the final phase of his recovery after undergoing back surgery in July, and all indications suggest that he will be ready to play again from January.
However, Barcelona are already working to resolve his sporting situation before then. After all, Joan Garcia has been installed as the first-choice starter in goal by Hansi Flick this season, while Wojciech Szczesny is the backup.
Given that it is a World Cup year, the German national team, led by Julian Nagelsmann, is urging Ter Stegen to find a club where he can be a regular starter to ensure that he reaches the tournament in top form.
And there is significant interest in him from the Premier League, with clubs like Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur eyeing a mid-season move.
Ter Stegen wants to stay
However, according to SPORT, as things stand, Ter Stegen’s priority remains the same as it was in the summer: he wants to stay at Barcelona.
Nevertheless, no scenario can be ruled out at this point, including a potential departure during the upcoming winter transfer window.
Barcelona have given the German goalkeeper full freedom to decide his future, although there are external pressures that could influence his choice.
Ter Stegen knows this could be his last opportunity to play in a World Cup. As such, the chance to feature as Germany’s starting goalkeeper may compel him to consider leaving, even temporarily, possibly through a loan deal.
No shortage of suitors
What next for Ter Stegen? (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
As for potential destinations, as mentioned already, there is interest from Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Tottenham.
Several clubs from the German Bundesliga are also ready to offer him a starting role to help him regain rhythm and confidence before the World Cup.
Barcelona, for their part, have informed the goalkeeper that Garcia will remain the first-choice option for both La Liga and the Champions League.
The Copa del Rey could provide Ter Stegen with some opportunities, but these would be limited to a small number of matches and would depend on how far the team progresses in the competition.
This scenario strengthens the case for a temporary departure if he wants to secure a starting place with Die Mannschaft.
The plan is for a final decision to be made during December, and discussions and negotiations are already underway in several directions.
The combination of the player’s determination to play in the World Cup, the pressure from the national team, and Barça’s internal planning will ultimately shape the outcome.
Category: General Sports
