Barcelona veteran makes his position clear despite third choice status

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s situation at Barcelona has quietly become one of the most delicate internal debates at the club. 

At present, he is the third-choice option under Hansi Flick, a scenario that complicates both his club ambitions and his international aspirations ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Regular minutes are crucial for ter Stegen, particularly with the German national team closely monitoring its goalkeeping hierarchy. 

The German Football Association has made it clear that consistent, high-level match experience is a key requirement for any player hoping to secure the number one role at the World Cup. 

Yet, under the current setup at Barcelona, those opportunities have been limited, with Flick firmly backing Joan Garcia as his preferred starter.

What does Ter Stegen want?

Despite this challenging backdrop, a report from SPORT provides important clarity on ter Stegen’s mindset. 

From the goalkeeper’s perspective, there is no immediate doubt about his future. With a contract running until 2028, he is not actively considering an exit and remains committed to Barcelona. 

In fact, the veteran sees no reason to rush into decisions, even as his role has diminished.

Ter Stegen wants to fight for his place. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

It is known that Joan Garcia is Hansi Flick’s number one, and that pecking order is unlikely to change unless there is a dramatic drop in performance. 

Even so, ter Stegen believes the situation is more fluid than it appears on the surface. Football, after all, can shift quickly. 

Injuries, suspensions, or sudden changes in form can alter dynamics overnight, and the German is well aware that such moments could reopen the door for him.

Will not force an exit

Sources close to the player suggest that ter Stegen has not mentally written off the season. 

He will not push for a transfer, demand guarantees, or ask the club to engineer a move away.

However, if there is no sporting pathway back into a meaningful role and if the club actively attempts to move him on, Ter Stegen would be willing to listen. 

Even then, he would only consider proposals that arrive naturally and align with a convincing sporting project.