Marc-André ter Stegen is now only number 3 at Barca. © ANSA / ANDREU ESTEBAN

At Barca: Ter Stegen on the sidelines

According to media reports, Germany's national football goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is in danger of falling back to third place in the competition at FC Barcelona.

July 12, 2025

From: dpa/det

Barça coach Hansi Flick is said to have told the 33-year-old on Friday that ter Stegen was not a given for the upcoming season and that goalkeeper rivals Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny were ahead of him, according to the trade newspaper Sports reported.

What ter Stegen does with this situation is up to him, Flick reportedly added. He can fight for his place and impress with his training performance, or he can leave. Barça's arguments are clear and center on the strategic decision to rely on a young goalkeeper with a future, he wrote. Sports The Catalan broadcaster also reported similarly 3Cat.

What does ter Stegen's future look like? © APA/afp / PAU BARRENA

The sports newspaper Sports world even wrote that Flick had clearly told ter Stegen that he didn't expect the goalkeeper to play next season. The German international goalkeeper, whose contract with Barça runs until 2028, reportedly replied that he would play. Ter Stegen had already made a similar statement on June 4, when uncertainty about his future role was already becoming apparent, the newspaper continued.

Speculation about ter Stegen after knee injury

Barcelona announced the signing of 24-year-old goalkeeper Joan García in June and recently extended the contract of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. The Pole was signed last fall following ter Stegen's serious knee injury.

Given this situation, there has been repeated speculation in recent weeks about ter Stegen's departure. Due to the club's continued high debts, it cannot afford an expensive backup goalkeeper. Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Galatasaray, and AS Monaco have recently been mentioned as possible new employers for the 33-year-old.