Ter Stegen weighs Barcelona exit after losing place under Flick
A shift in status at Camp Nou
Marc Andre Ter Stegen’s position at Barcelona has quietly changed over recent months. Once an automatic starter, the 33 year old has slipped behind newer options and now faces limited opportunities between the posts.
According to Goal.com, Hansi Flick no longer views Ter Stegen as a central part of his short term plans, with Joan Garcia established as first choice and Wojciech Szczesny also preferred in the rotation.
Ter Stegen joined Barcelona in 2014 and went on to make more than 290 league appearances, playing a key role in their Champions League triumph during his debut season. Persistent injuries and a series of costly errors have gradually weakened his standing.
Recruitment decisions reshape the hierarchy
Barcelona’s goalkeeping depth was reshaped last summer when the club moved decisively to install Joan Garcia as their long term number one. Wojciech Szczesny’s return, after having previously retired, further reduced Ter Stegen’s path back into regular action.
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Goal.com reported that the German has not been formally told to leave, but the lack of competitive minutes has prompted internal discussions about his future.
Those close to the situation believe the shift reflects a broader squad reset rather than a personal fallout, though the consequences for Ter Stegen remain significant.
Girona emerges as a realistic escape route
With January offering a rare window for change, interest from elsewhere in La Liga has begun to take shape. According to SPORT, Ter Stegen is open to joining Girona on a short term basis if the conditions align.
The report added that the goalkeeper views a six month spell at the Estadi Montilivi as a chance to rebuild rhythm and reenter Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann’s thinking ahead of the World Cup.
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Rather than seeking a permanent exit, the move would represent a calculated attempt to restore momentum while remaining in familiar surroundings.
Salary demands complicate negotiations
Any potential deal is far from straightforward. Goal.com noted that Ter Stegen is unwilling to reduce his salary or force an exit, a stance that has slowed talks.
Barcelona are believed to want Girona to cover close to a quarter of the goalkeeper’s wages, a figure that currently stretches Girona’s budget.
While Girona are searching for a replacement following Dominik Livakovic’s departure, financial limitations remain the key stumbling block, despite Ter Stegen encouraging the club to explore improved terms.
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Public backing amid private uncertainty
Despite his reduced role, Ter Stegen recently featured in a Copa del Rey victory over Guadalajara, keeping a clean sheet in his rare appearance.
After the match, Hansi Flick offered measured praise, saying, “Marc is the captain and has played many games in the 12 years he has been here. We talked with the rest of the coaches and we wanted to give him the opportunity to play. He is back, it is only for this match and I think it is a good next step.”
Girona coach Michel also spoke positively when asked about the goalkeeper, stating, “He’s a top player, everyone would like to have a goalkeeper like Ter Stegen.”
World Cup pressure shapes the outcome
Beyond club football, the international picture looms large. Germany currently have several goalkeepers in contention, including Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nubel and Noah Atubolu.
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Without regular minutes, Ter Stegen risks slipping further from Julian Nagelsmann’s plans. A move that restores consistency could prove decisive, but only if it delivers immediate playing time.
For now, his future remains unresolved, balanced between loyalty to Barcelona and the urgency of keeping his World Cup ambitions alive.
Sources: Goal.com, SPORT
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