Marc-André ter Stegen’s future at Barcelona is now uncertain. Manchester City is reportedly interested in signing the German goalkeeper. Tension is also building inside the dressing room as the club plans major changes in goal.
Manchester City Shows Interest in Ter Stegen
Manchester City may be preparing for life after Ederson. According to AS, the Premier League champions are now monitoring Ter Stegen. They are not alone. Galatasaray is also interested and may try to sign him this summer.
Barcelona may be forced to sell. The club is under pressure from La Liga’s financial rules. They need to reduce the wage bill and restore their 1:1 spending ratio. That could mean accepting a lower transfer fee for key players, including Ter Stegen.
Barcelona’s Goalkeeping Plans Are Changing
Barcelona has already made changes in goal. The club signed Joan García from Espanyol. Reports also suggest that Wojciech Szczęsny is close to signing a new deal.
This shows that the coaching staff no longer sees Ter Stegen as the automatic starter. He still has a contract until 2028, but his role at the club is no longer clear.
Ter Stegen is currently training alone due to a minor back issue. Club doctors say it is not serious.
Ter Stegen Wants to Stay at Barcelona
Despite all the rumors, Ter Stegen does not want to leave. He is happy in Barcelona and plans to stay. But his situation may change soon.
With the 2026 World Cup coming up, he wants to play regularly. He cannot afford to sit on the bench if he wants to be Germany’s number one. That could open the door to a move.
Expert Warns of Dressing Room Tension
Former goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares has warned that the situation could turn into a problem.
“You had a starting goalkeeper on a long contract. Now you are trying to replace him with someone cheaper,” he said on Despierta San Francisco. “But Ter Stegen will only leave if he wants to. And another club must be willing to pay his salary. That’s not easy.”
Cañizares also said Joan García will be under pressure:
“He will feel pressure inside the locker room because Ter Stegen is still there. And outside, the fans will compare him with Ter Stegen. That is very hard for a young keeper.”
Could Manchester City Offer a Way Out?
A transfer to Manchester City could solve many problems. Ter Stegen would stay at the top level and continue to fight for his place in the national team. Barcelona would lower their wage bill and avoid conflict.
However, the deal would be difficult. Ter Stegen earns a high salary. He must also agree to leave. And at 32, some clubs may hesitate to invest long-term.
Barcelona Must Find a Balance
Barcelona is walking a fine line. They must save money but also keep harmony in the team. If they fail to manage the goalkeeper situation well, it could hurt them both on and off the pitch.
