Barcelona is once again heading into uncertain territory as the January transfer window approaches, with the future of goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen becoming a major point of contention within the club.
The German international, who underwent back surgery over the summer, remained at the club despite strong indications that Barcelona were ready to part ways with him. While his recovery has progressed, the long-term relationship between Ter Stegen and the Catalan giants appears increasingly fragile.
During the previous transfer window, Barcelona had explored the possibility of selling the experienced shot-stopper to ease financial pressures, but Ter Stegen made it clear that he intended to stay and focus on regaining full fitness.
His decision to go under the knife effectively halted any move away, yet it also sparked friction between the player and club officials. The tension intensified when Ter Stegen initially refused to sign a medical release form that would have permitted Barcelona to temporarily register Joan García as a replacement.
As a result, the 33-year-old briefly lost his captaincy before being reinstated after eventually agreeing to the club’s request. Despite this reconciliation, uncertainty still surrounds his future.
Reports suggest there is no assurance that he will be re-registered for the second half of the season, leaving the door open for a potential exit in January. A loan deal appears the most realistic outcome, which would allow him to secure regular playing time in the lead-up to next summer’s World Cup.
According to Sport, relayed by CaughtOffside, several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United, have made enquiries to understand his current situation. Barcelona are said to be open to letting Ter Stegen leave, provided that their financial and contractual conditions are met.
Manchester United were previously linked with the German goalkeeper during the summer window, but no agreement was reached at the time. With the next transfer window fast approaching, Ter Stegen may be more receptive to a move, especially if it guarantees him consistent game time and strengthens his claim to remain Germany’s number one ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
For Barcelona, the coming months could prove decisive. The club must choose between keeping an experienced but unsettled leader or allowing him to move on and reduce the wage bill as they continue their rebuild under Xavi. Either way, Ter Stegen’s situation looks set to dominate headlines once the January window opens.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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