FC Barcelona has welcomed back Marc-André ter Stegen in time for the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid, this Sunday, January 11th, in Jeddah (8:00 PM CEST). The German goalkeeper returned to Arabia after overcoming concerns about a possible injury to his right knee and will once again be the substitute for Joan García, alongside Wojciech Szczesny.
For now, the scenario for the 33-year-old goalkeeper does not change in the blaugrana squad. Hansi Flick could give him minutes again next Wednesday in the Copa del Rey round of 16 duel, against Racing de Santander (9:00 PM). In the League and Champions League, Joan will continue to be the '1', while Szczesny also has chances to play again in the Cup.
In this regard, Ter Stegen knows that, after the Spanish Super Cup, he must make a decision regarding his future. The club will not force his departure, but Girona's offer to go on loan for the rest of 25/26 is still awaiting a response. With the World Cup just around the corner, 'Matts' is clear about the need to play to avoid jeopardizing his performance in the tournament
Ter Stegen Has Clear Mid-Term Priorities
In principle, the German international did not seem convinced to accept Míchel's proposal to defend the 'red-and-white' goal. However, the lack of alternatives and the pressure in his country regarding the need to leave for another club have made him change his mind.
Marc-André would go to Girona on a simple loan, **without any modifications to his salary and/or contract**. The Mönchengladbach native is tied to Barça until 2028 and his earnings are around 14 million gross annually.
A renewal or salary adjustment are not in the plans of the '1', which means the Barça team would continue to cover a majority percentage of his salary if, ultimately, the goalkeeper leaves on loan this January.
Míchel insists on Ter Stegen's arrival to cover the possible absence of Dominik Livakovic, once the Croatian resolves his return to Fenerbahce. However, this move has not yet materialized and the 31-year-old goalkeeper was actually a substitute on Saturday in the Catalans' victory against Osasuna.
Barça awaits Ter Stegen's 'OK' for Girona
Beyond the contractual issue, Barcelona's board has left the resolution of his future in Ter Stegen's hands. The club understands that a departure is, in this case, what's best for both parties, with the aim of receiving more offers for the German next summer to close a possible transfer.
Logically, if 'Matts' remains on the Barça bench for the entire second half of 25/26, it will be much more complicated to resolve his future in the upcoming transfer window. This, at the same time, will have a negative effect on the goalkeeper's future, who is playing this semester for the chance to play in the World Cup, for the first time, as a starter and captain with Germany.
While the captain resolves his future, Deco and Joan Laporta are finalizing the signing of Joao Cancelo, currently the only winter signing planned by the club. The Portuguese player will undergo his medical examination on Monday and is expected to sign his six-month loan deal on Tuesday
Fortunately, regarding 'Fair Play', Cancelo's registration does not depend on Ter Stegen's future. With the long-term absence of Andreas Christensen, his signing will be enough to offset his transfer fee.