Ter Stegen weighs loan as World Cup ambitions come into focus

January 19, 2026 Oliver Obel

The 33-year-old goalkeeper has made only one competitive appearance this season and is no longer viewed as first choice at Camp Nou following the arrival of Joan Garcia. Barcelona signed the 24-year-old from Espanyol last summer for around 25 million euros and immediately installed him as their starting goalkeeper, limiting ter Stegen’s opportunities.

According to Spanish radio network Cadena Ser, talks between Barcelona and FC Girona are nearing a conclusion. Journalist Nil Sola said on “Ràdio Girona – SER Catalunya” that negotiations over a loan deal are well advanced and that only final details remain before an agreement can be finalised.

Salary compromise and sporting motivation

German outlet BILD reports that ter Stegen is prepared to give up a significant portion of his salary to make the move possible. The goalkeeper is believed to earn between 18 and 20 million euros per year at Barcelona. Under the proposed arrangement, Girona would pay what they can afford, with ter Stegen waiving the remainder in exchange for regular playing time. Girona currently sit 13th in La Liga, four points above the relegation zone.

Regular minutes are seen as essential for ter Stegen as he looks to re-establish himself in the Germany national team under head coach Julian Nagelsmann ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His recent seasons have been disrupted by injury, including a ruptured patellar tendon that ruled him out for much of the 2024/25 campaign, followed by back surgery. He returned only in mid-December in a cup win over CD Guadalajara.

Personal factors favour staying in Catalonia

A move to Girona would also make sense off the pitch. The club is located roughly an hour from Barcelona, allowing ter Stegen to remain in Catalonia. A transfer abroad would complicate custody arrangements for his two children following his separation from his wife, which was announced in March 2025.

While no deal has yet been formally announced, a temporary move to Girona could offer ter Stegen a timely chance to revive his season without uprooting his personal life.

Sources: Cadena Ser, BILD