Marc-André Ter Stegen's Future in Doubt at Barcelona: Hamann Suggests Time for a New Club
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Marc-André Ter Stegen might want to start looking for a new club ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, according to venerable former player Dietmar Hamann. The advice comes as rumors swirl that Barcelona will sign Joan Garcia from city rivals Espanyol, potentially leaving Ter Stegen in the cold.
Hamann Drops the Hammer
In his Sky Sports column, Hamann remarked bluntly, "If a new keeper comes in, it's a no-brainer — Ter Stegen needs to pack his bags." Despite a sterling performance in the Nations League third-place match against France, Hamann advises that Ter Stegen needs a guarantee of playing time to secure his spot as Germany's undisputed number one in the World Cup.
Stegen's History with Barcelona
Ter Stegen has been a fixture at Barcelona since joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014, even captaining the team at times. However, a severe knee injury kept him sidelined for much of last season, with coach Hansi Flick favoring Wojciech Szczesny as his go-to keeper when Ter Stegen was out.
Barca's Burdened Books
While Barca is eager to sign a new keeper, Hamann understands the situation may be tough for Ter Stegen, who put in a superb performance after such a significant injury layoff. His primary focus now should be "getting back on the pitch regularly."
Barca is said to have concerns over Ter Stegen's salary, which runs until mid-2028, as they try to offload him to free up funds for other roster improvements, such as potential addition of Luis Díaz.
Potential Exit Now an Option
Ter Stegen's contract supposedly offers him the opportunity to continue with Barca or negotiate a departure, with the club also reportedly considering trimming their payroll. Turkey's Galatasaray is rumored to be interested in Ter Stegen as an alternative destination.
Financial Juggling at Barcelona
Barca faced difficulties registering Dani Olmo earlier this year due to financial constraints. With the reported impending signing of Joan Garcia for €25 million, the German keeper's future at the club has become increasingly precarious.
In summary, Ter Stegen could find himself caught in the crossfire of Barca's wish to cut costs and manage their financial situation. Dietmar Hamann's advice is clear: if Ter Stegen wants to secure his place as the number one keeper for Germany, he must seriously consider seeking greener pastures.
- With Barca's potential signing of Joan Garcia from local rivals Espanyol, the future of Marc-André Ter Stegen at Barcelona seems uncertain, as suggested by former player Dietmar Hamann in his Sky Sports column.
- Having struggled to secure playing time due to his injury layoff and coach Hansi Flick's preference for Wojciech Szczesny, Ter Stegen may need to look for a new club ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup if a new keeper is signed by Barcelona.
- Despite his sterling performance in the Nations League third-place match against France, Ter Stegen needs a guarantee of playing time to secure his spot as Germany's undisputed number one in the World Cup, which could be difficult to achieve if he stays at Barcelona.
