Marc-André ter Stegen will play the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan at Girona. Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Girona team reached a verbal agreement with FC Barcelona for the loan of the 33-year-old goalkeeper, who will play under Míchel until next June 30.
'Mats' gave the 'Ok' to Girona last week, once his future with the team led by Hansi Flick was 'sealed'. The German coach's bet on Joan García as the starting goalkeeper for all competitions (League, Cup, and Champions League) forced the Barça '1' to leave, as he needs to play regularly in the coming months.
Ter Stegen's objective is clear: to arrive in the summer in the best condition to be a starter and captain for Germany in the World Cup. In principle, the Mönchengladbach native could debut with the 'albirrojos' **next Monday the 26th, against Getafe** in Montilivi (9:00 PM), provided the club resolves his registration in time.
Ter Stegen would not travel with Barça to Prague this Tuesday
In that sense, it is unlikely that Flick will call up Marc-André for this Wednesday's match, for matchday 7 of the Champions League against **Slavia Prague** (9:00 PM). Just as happened with Pedro 'Dro' Fernández, the manager would opt to remove the German goalkeeper from the squad, knowing of his imminent departure.
In the case of the Catalan midfielder, once his intention to sign for **Paris Saint-Germain** was confirmed, Flick removed him from the group last week. Ter Stegen, on the other hand, did train normally in recent days with the squad and was on the bench at Anoeta on Sunday against **Real Sociedad (2-1)**
Flick perfectly understood 'Mats' situation, whose departure is forced by the need to play. For this reason, he kept him with the group until the agreement between Barça and Girona for his loan was total.
"He is our captain, he is one of the club's idols and one of the most important players in recent years. We will accept whatever he decides. He is very experienced and knows what he wants," Flick pointed out before the visit to Real Sociedad, referring to the '1's future
Barça Partially Resolves 'Ter Stegen Case'
For now, Barça will assume the majority of Ter Stegen's salary (14 million gross per year) and will not include a purchase option in the loan to Girona. The 33-year-old goalkeeper has a contract until 2028, and it will be in the summer when the club attempts to negotiate his transfer to another club.
Giving him a release is unlikely, as Marc-André does not plan to negotiate a contract termination, forgiving Barcelona part of his salary. The goalkeeper renewed in 2023, agreeing to defer most of his contract to the final years of it, and now it is the club that must resolve his departure.