TER STEGEN
Ter Stegen: Will he have a place at Barça after the signing of Joan García?
Published New:3/06/2025 - 02:53h
Updated New:3/06/2025 - 14:34h
The imminent arrival of Joan García seriously compromises Ter Stegen's future. The '1' is not thinking about leaving, but he also does not see himself as a substitute all season
The FC Barcelona goal, for the first time in almost a decade, does not have an undisputed owner heading into next season. Marc-André ter Stegen took over as starter in La Liga and Champions League (he was a starter only in Europe in his first two years) from 2016/17, but heading into 25/26 even his continuity at the club may be at risk.
The reason for this scenario, unthinkable a couple of weeks ago, has to do with the imminent signing of Joan García. The board has almost closed an agreement with the Espanyol goalkeeper, the great revelation in terms of goalkeepers in LaLiga 24/25, which means that the future of the '1' and his role in the squad remains in the 'air'.
And, barring surprises, Wojciech Szczesny will renew for one more year, increasing the competition for the Barça goal. In principle, 'Tek' would start the season as the captain's substitute if he recovers his best version, but the presence of the Sallent player completely changes the equation.
Hansi Flick's position on Ter Stegen's role
In that sense, Hansi Flick may have a big problem on his hands heading into the summer. The coach had not planned to incorporate another goalkeeper, but if García's arrival is finally confirmed, he will remain firm to his style.
Who will defend Barça's goal in 25/26? Whoever proves to be in the best condition to do so. The coach was very respectful of Ter Stegen's recovery, but as soon as the medical staff gave him the go-ahead, he did not hesitate to give him minutes in La Liga against Valladolid and Villarreal.
However, the coach has also continuously ratified his confidence in Szczesny, so if the Pole maintains the level of the second half of the season, he will surely have plenty of options to fight for a position.
"I'm happy with him, that's for sure. He's always very positive, calm, he keeps calm and this is very good for us; I think he would like to stay," Flick said when referring to 'Tek's' future.
As things stand, the coaching staff leaves the decision to sign another goalkeeper or not in the hands of the board. In any case, Ter Stegen will have to compete for the starting position as one more, with the hierarchy that comes with being captain and leader in the dressing room. For example, Ronald Araujo's role in 24/25.
Ter Stegen is clear: his place is Barcelona and he will fight for the starting position
Similarly, Marc-André also has no doubts about his future in Barcelona. The Mönchengladbach native has a contract until 2028 and has no intention of leaving. Although he understands the doubts that the arrival of Joan García or any other goalkeeper may generate, the German is confident of recovering his position next season.
"Barça is probably one of the biggest clubs in the world and there is always competition, regardless of the circumstances," he commented at the press conference prior to the match against Portugal for the 'semis' of the Nations League.
Will Ter Stegen be able to regain the starting position even if Joan García arrives? What is certain is that the captain will be available from day 1 of the pre-season, on July 13 and, hopefully, avoid new injuries that condition his performance for the third consecutive year.
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