Ter Stegen Delivers Bombshell Verdict on His Barcelona Career—Exclusive
Marc-André ter Stegen is close to departing Barcelona following reports that the player has approved his temporary transfer to Girona to proceed.
Spanish media sources suggest that only minor details remain to be finalized before all parties and Ter Stegen reach a complete agreement for the keeper to join the Catalan side on loan until the season concludes.
Discussions between Barcelona and Girona are currently focused on the loan terms, particularly concerning the player's wages. The reigning Spanish champions will need to shoulder a significant portion of the German's salary, as Girona can only manage approximately 10 to 20% without violating financial fair play regulations, according to MARCA.
Having fully recovered from a back problem that necessitated surgery, Ter Stegen returned to action in Barcelona's Copa del Rey triumph against Guadalajara on Dec. 16. However, Joan García subsequently assumed the starting role in the tournament, excelling in Barcelona's win against Racing Santander on Thursday.
Ter Stegen, who urgently requires playing time to secure Germany's number one spot for the 2026 World Cup, allegedly decided to depart Barça following his exclusion from the Copa del Rey round of 16.
When Ter Stegen Could Join Girona
When Ter Stegen Could Join Girona
Girona's plan is to complete Ter Stegen's loan arrangement so the German can be eligible for selection when they face Getafe in La Liga on Jan. 26. With all sides aligned, the deal could be concluded early in the upcoming week.
Ter Stegen will have the chance to feature regularly from this point until the season's conclusion to fulfill his World Cup ambitions, provided he remains injury-free. Subsequently, another phase of this story will unfold during the summer when he returns to Barcelona, where his contract runs until 2028.
Flick stated clearly that if fit and prepared, García might potentially feature in all of Barcelona's remaining fixtures this campaign. The circumstances are unlikely to shift for 2026–27, meaning Ter Stegen will probably seek a permanent exit from the club during the summer window.
Ter Stegen has appeared in 423 matches for the Spanish powerhouse since arriving in summer 2014, claiming 20 major honors, including the club's latest Champions League success. He represents the longest-serving player in the current squad and received the captain's armband following Sergi Roberto's exit after the 2023–24 campaign.