TRANSFER MARKET
Transfer on track? Ter Stegen closes in on a move to Manchester City
Published New:9/07/2025 - 03:57h
Updated New:9/07/2025 - 03:57h
Pep Guardiola isn't satisfied with Ederson's performance and hasn't ruled out signing another goalkeeper. Will Ter Stegen be City's next signing? Barça is prioritizing resolving the German's exit
The renewal of Wojciech Szczesny with FC Barcelona seals the fate of Marc-André ter Stegen in the Barça squad. For now, Galatasaray and Manchester City are the most likely destinations for the German goalkeeper, but the option of the Turkish team is not entirely convincing for the 'Azulgrana' number '1'.
On the other hand, a call from Pep Guardiola could radically change Ter Stegen's mentality about forcing his stay at Barça. Firstly, because the German would be the third-choice goalkeeper behind Joan García and 'Tek'. Just before a World Cup year, the Mönchengladbach native cannot afford a whole season on the bench.
Furthermore, if he were to receive a Mancunian offer, the 'Culé' number '1' could join a club that is a contender to fight for every title at stake in 2026. However, Marc-André will not have a clear path to the starting spot, but he would arrive with a serious chance of taking over the 'sky blue' goal.
Guardiola could replace Ederson with Ter Stegen in his new City
Currently, City has Ederson, Ortega, and the newly signed Bettinelli as options in goal. Bettinelli arrived to replace the veteran Scott Carson as the third goalkeeper, while Ortega, in the final year of his contract, is expected to leave.
Ederson has been City's number one since 2017, but his performance over the last two seasons has been in decline. In the 24/25 season, he only played 18 matches due to physical problems, in which he conceded 28 goals. Furthermore, at the Club World Cup, the Brazilian did not have a standout performance either, conceding four goals in the round of 16 against Al Hilal (3-4).
This is why Guardiola is seriously considering signing another experienced goalkeeper, and Ter Stegen has an ideal profile for the role. Another option would be Emiliano Martínez, but the personality of 'Dibu' does not fit the profile Pep is looking for.
Ter Stegen could follow in Claudio Bravo's footsteps
In Germany, pundits like Lothar Matthäus have advised Ter Stegen to approach the 'sky blue' team. In 2016, City already bet on an experienced 'Azulgrana' goalkeeper (Claudio Bravo), right after Pep's arrival on the bench at the Etihad Stadium.
In four seasons, the Chilean played 61 matches in which he conceded 60 goals. Will the current Barça captain follow in his footsteps? Everything will depend on the goalkeeper's stance and the opinion of the Catalan coach.
Furthermore, Marc-André must decide his future with Barça. The goalkeeper must first speak with Hansi Flick next week after the start of the pre-season and then with the Barça board to resolve the terms of his departure.
For the club, the ideal scenario would be to negotiate a transfer for around 10 million euros. Alternatively, a loan in which his new team covers a majority of his salary (around 14 million gross). The last option points to a contract termination, the most complex one because the German signed until 2028 and his release clause is 500 million.
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