Marc-André ter Stegen is once again rumored as a possible reinforcement for Newcastle in the upcoming winter market. The 33-year-old goalkeeper could be medically cleared in December after undergoing surgery in July to alleviate his lower back pain and is one of the players FC Barcelona plans to offload for the second half of 2025/26.
Although 'Matts' has a contract until 2028, the signing of Joan García and the renewal of Wojciech Szczesny have left him without a place in the Barça squad. Diego Kochen, for the moment, has been the third goalkeeper, while Eder Aller has also been included in the squad lists during García's absence.
In that regard, the latest reports indicate Newcastle's interest in the goalkeeper and captain of the German national team, whose injuries have prevented him from regaining his starting position in Barcelona. Ter Stegen missed almost all of last season due to a knee injury, and this summer he relapsed from his back ailments.
Newcastle's reasons for being interested in Ter Stegen
Even so, coach Eddie Howe has him on his radar, as the future of veteran Nick Pope is far from clear. The English goalkeeper has conceded 7 goals in the first 9 games of the 25/26 season. While he has 6 clean sheets, there is suspicion at St. James Park that the player from Soham will choose to leave on a free transfer next summer, as his contract expires in June 2026.
The other option is former Arsenal goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, who arrived on loan this year from Southampton. The 27-year-old goalkeeper, however, has only played one League Cup match and, for now, does not convince the 'Magpies' coach.
Eddie Howe seems inclined to sign a goalkeeper with more experience, and Ter Stegen's situation could allow Newcastle to close a loan or transfer for a lower price. Although Barça's '1' still has a contract until 2028, the club does not rule out letting him go for around 10 million euros.
Ter Stegen and Barça, Forced to Find a Way Out
Whether it's to Newcastle or any other European club, Ter Stegen must resolve his departure from Barcelona as soon as possible in the winter market. Although the board does not intend to force him to accept a transfer or loan, the Barça coaching staff has been very clear with 'Matts': when he returns, he will do so as third goalkeeper.
Joan García will maintain his starting position once he returns from his knee injury in November, while Wojciech Szczesny remains the first alternative to the Catalan. Knowing that he has been relegated from the starting position just six months before the World Cup, Ter Stegen cannot afford to spend the entire season without playing.
Julian Nagelsmann is counting on him as Germany's captain in the World Cup, provided the goalkeeper is physically at his peak and has sufficient competitive rhythm. However, Barça must also agree with Marc-André on the terms of his departure, as the captain still has two and a half years left on his contract and the bulk of his salary to receive (14 million gross per year).
In both financial and sporting terms, the Barça team would see Ter Stegen's departure as a relief, but the board understands that the decision is in the hands of the Mönchengladbach native. Whatever the resolution of the case, the club is confident in making the best decision for both parties, as the German's figure is respected by the locker room and the Barça leadership.
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