Ter Stegen conditions his departure from Barcelona in the winter market

FC Barcelona and Marc-André ter Stegen have a summit pending to resolve the captain's future for the second half of the season. Hansi Flick has been clear with the goalkeeper: if he stays, he will spend most of the semester on the bench, alternating the role of backup to Joan García with Wojciech Szczesny.

Beyond being a starter in the Copa del Rey debut against Guadalajara (0-2), 'Matts' does not have his starting position secured for the rest of the tournament, not by a long shot. Barring any surprises, García will be the starter in the Spanish Super Cup, as well as in the league and Champions League, while 'Tek' could return to goal in the Copa del Rey round of 16 in mid-January

This date is presented as the deadline for Barça to decide what to do with Ter Stegen in the winter market. The transfer window opens on January 2nd and closes on February 2nd. For now, the '1' has several clubs interested in a possible loan, but the goalkeeper has already made clear the conditions for his possible departure.

Ter Stegen Only Considers Offers from 'Top' Teams

The latest information points to Girona as one of the clubs most interested in Ter Stegen. The imminent departure of Dominik Livakovic opens the door to signing another goalkeeper for Míchel's team, but this option does not seem to satisfy 'Matts' interest, even though it would allow him to continue living in Barcelona.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper, beyond the pressure of playing regularly in the coming months to secure his place in the German national team, does not intend to move to a lower-tier club in January. Girona is fighting for survival in LaLiga and is not competing in European competitions this season.

This factor would leave the Montilivi squad relegated in the 'race' for a Ter Stegen who has also been strongly linked with the Turkish, German, and English markets. In this regard, the Premier League could be an ideal destination for the Barça captain's objectives for the decisive stretch of 25/26.

Aston Villa and Tottenham: Ideal destinations for Ter Stegen?

Ter Stegen needs to sign for a club that guarantees him undisputed starter status or, failing that, regular playing time, preferably in high-level tournaments. These two factors could lead him to negotiate with **Tottenham** or **Aston Villa**, two of the teams interested in a possible six-month loan, without a mandatory purchase option.

The 'Spurs' have completed a first half of the season to forget in the Premier League (they are in 14th place, 9 points above the relegation zone), but they remain in the playoff zone in the Champions League (11th) with 11 points, one more than Barça

Aston Villa, for their part, although playing in the Europa League, are having a great season in England. Unai Emery's team is third behind Arsenal and City, just 6 points behind the lead currently held by the 'Gunners'.

In both clubs, Ter Stegen would face competition for the starting position with Guglielmo Vicario and 'Dibu' Martínez, respectively. Nevertheless, both coaches are willing to sign an experienced goalkeeper, and the Catalan '1' fits the required profile.Barça, meanwhile, awaits offers for 'Matts'.

Understanding that **the salary (14 million gross) and contract (until 2028)** of the German goalkeeper are two difficult obstacles to overcome, a loan move that allows for a percentage of his salary to be freed up seems to be an ideal way to unblock a deal that would leave both parties satisfied.

On one hand, the club is getting rid of a footballer who is not in **Hansi Flick**'s plans. In the goalkeeper's case, he would move to a team where he is guaranteed the prominence he has lost in Catalonia. When the squad returns from Arabia after the Super Cup, the 'summit' that resolves Ter Stegen's future could take place.