Marc-André ter Stegen is progressing in his recovery after undergoing surgery at the end of July. Meanwhile, in Germany they are concerned about the scenario that awaits the 33-year-old goalkeeper once he receives medical discharge, probably at the end of the year. In this regard, the former German player and coach, Bernd Schuster, believes that 'Matts' cycle at Barça is over.
The '1' still has three years of contract to fulfill and the player himself has stated on several occasions his desire to stay. However, with Joan García settled in the goal and Wojciech Szczesny as a substitute, Ter Stegen has no place in Hansi Flick's plans for 25/26.
In addition, the club prioritizes getting rid of his contract, which is around 14 million euros gross per year. The player from Mönchengladbach renewed in 2023 deferring the bulk of his salary for the last three years of his contract, which he is just beginning to receive from the summer of 2025. Thanks to his departure, it was possible to register the former Espanyol goalkeeper.
Schuster advises Ter Stegen to look for a team to play in the World Cup
"Since it is well known how ruthless Barça can be with players they no longer need, if I were him, I would look for a new club in the winter", Schuster began in an interview with the newspaper 'BILD'.
Bernd wore the Barcelona shirt between 1980 and 1988, the year he left for Real Madrid. Later, he was coach of the 'Casa Blanca' from mid-2007 to the end of 2008.
For Schuster, it is very clear that Flick will not grant new opportunities to Ter Stegen having Joan García and Szczesny ahead. Understanding that 'Matts' already has an advanced age and a worrying recent history of injuries, the German coach, without a club since 2019, believes that the '1' of Barcelona must evaluate offers from second-tier clubs, in order to play again.
"In my opinion, his new club does not have to be an absolutely top-level one. An ambitious Bundesliga club where he plays regularly would also be good", he argued.
In that sense, he added: "Because that is exactly what he needs. Otherwise, I can well imagine the national coach bringing Manuel Neuer back to the German goal for the 2026 World Cup".
For now, Ter Stegen is the first option for the German goal in the consideration of coach Julian Nagelsmann. However, if he stays all season in Barcelona without playing, it will be unlikely that the 33-year-old goalkeeper will retain his place in the 'mannschaft'.
Ter Stegen must make a decision in the winter market
For the time being, Marc-André continues working hard at the Ciutat Esportiva to return as soon as possible. LaLiga approved his long-term leave (four months or more), which means that the Barcelona captain would be out for the rest of 2025. 'Matts', however, believes he can receive medical discharge in a shorter period, perhaps at the end of November or the beginning of December.
In any case, the '1' has very little chance of playing again with Barça this season. Joan García will be the starter in LaLiga and the Champions League, two tournaments where he has completed several outstanding performances in the first month of 25/26.
Szczesny, meanwhile, will be the goalkeeper of the Copa del Rey, after renewing his contract until 2027. Thus, Ter Stegen would be the third option, a role that has been occupied by the American Diego Kochen, from the reserve team.
The player from Mönchengladbach seems obliged to look for a team in the winter market, a complex task due to his long inactivity and the high cost of his salary. In the last two seasons, 'Matts' has suffered two lumbar injuries and a rupture of the patellar tendon of his right knee that have forced him to undergo surgery three times, with more than 11 months off from November 2023.
Before undergoing surgery, Galatasaray was the team most interested in Ter Stegen. The Turks finally signed Ugurcan Çakir from Trabzonspor for 27.5 million euros. Mónaco, Inter and Manchester City also had the Barcelona goalkeeper on their radar, as well as several Saudi clubs.