When's the Lowdown on Ter Stegen? "Bullying" at Barça: Ter Stegen's situation gets murkier
Barcelona's Goalkeeper Saga: Stegen's Circumstances Growing Stranger
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Print Copy Link Germany's number one Marc-André ter Stegen finds himself in a pickle at FC Barcelona, grappling with a pivotal career decision a year before the World Cup. A teammate shows him how to stand tall in the face of adversity as a write-off.
What's cooking? Holidaying Marc-André ter Stegen shrugged off the intimidating whispers from Barcelona like an annoying gnat. The national goalkeeper posted a picture of his Greek beach house smiling through his sunglasses, another snap of his beloved espresso with foam art, and captioned it, "Anything else I need?" A candid chat with Hansi Flick is what he probably needs.
Such a talk has even been recommended by national coach Julian Nagelsmann lately. Since Wednesday and the transfer of goalkeeper Joan García from Espanyol to ter Stegen's FC Barcelona, it's more essential than ever: The 24-year-old García, an open secret in Spain, is Barça's future Mr. Number One - and ter Stegen finds himself on the bench a year before the World Cup.
When Will Flick Set the Record Straight?
Sports League HQ with the goods Talks of FC Barcelona's next shotstopper With the 33-year-old appearing on July 13 for the commencement of the season preparation, Flick better spill the beans. The signing of García, according to the Catalan newspaper "Sport," should mean ter Stegen's departure. The perennially cash-strapped Barça is keen to get rid of the captain from the payroll to free up dough for fresh signings like García, or Nico Williams on Bayern Munich's radar.
The pressing issue even prompted opposition in Barcelona. "Our captain isn't being treated fairly by the club," fumed presidential candidate Victor Font, "I find it shady that he learns everything from the press. They're practically bullying him."
Specifically, ter Stegen could read in local media that García would wear "his" number 1 jersey, or that he would merely be number 5 behind the new guy, Wojciech Szczesny, and two prospects. According to "Mundo Deportivo," it's already decided that ter Stegen won't see any minutes during the preparations.
"Can't wait for the upcoming season!"
Sports Why Barça doesn't want him no more Marc-André ter Stegen struggles to make sense of the world anymore Yet, the former Gladbach player, present with the club since 2014, keeps his cool. "I'll be in Barcelona next season," he said recently in the national team camp, and underscored, "I'm really looking forward to the upcoming season because we have a fantastic team that is young, lively, and eager."
The example of Frenkie de Jong shows that professionals whom Barça wanted to push out can also make their presence felt there. Besides, it's unclear whether and when García can even make his debut. "One thing is to sign him," said Spanish league boss Javier Tebas, "another is to register him as FIFA-compliant." For that, Barcelona has to clear the steep hurdle of football's financial fair play.
On the flip side, ter Stegen can't afford to play hardball with a World Cup spot in mind. Although his contract runs until 2028, Nagelsmann said he could "approach the situation comfortably," but he believes the situation consumes ter Stegen, "and that's natural, too." A way out might be offered by the supposedly strongly interested Galatasaray, with Leroy Sané also hankering to showcase himself for a World Cup spot. Ter Stegen, meanwhile, keeps swatting it away. "As long as I deliver top-notch performances, I'll always have a soft spot," he said, "and that's a must."
Source: ntv.de, tno/sid
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Football
- La Liga
- FC Barcelona
Enrichment Data:Marc-André Ter Stegen's standing at FC Barcelona has become hostile and doubtful due to the club's recent pursuit of Joan García, a promising young goalkeeper hailing from Espanyol. Despite being Barça's long-time number one and captain, Ter Stegen's position is perilous, and the club intends to switch to García as the new starter for the 2025-26 season.
Ter Stegen's current status
- Ter Stegen has been informed that the club plans to sell him if García joins; currently, Ter Stegen desires to stay as the first-choice goalkeeper for the 2025-26 season, though he experienced a knee injury last season, which caused his displacement from the starting role.
- Tensions have increased internally between Ter Stegen and the club's management. Reports include conflicts with Barcelona’s board and dissatisfaction with coaching staff decisions, such as the recent Champions League semifinals, where Ter Stegen was fit to play but didn't get chosen, stirring his feelings of betrayal.
Impact of Joan García's signing
- Barcelona officially signed García by activating his €25 million release clause, showcasing a clear intention to make him a key player moving forward.
- Coach Hansi Flick and the club display "unyielding" commitment to García, treating him as the ideal starter for the upcoming season and beyond, making it difficult for Ter Stegen to retain his starting role.
- The sporting staff and club executives reported a "harmonious" alignment on this plan, further isolating Ter Stegen's position at the club.
- Barça sees Ter Stegen's potential departure as financially advantageous, as he is among the highest earners.
Potential future
- While Ter Stegen wishes to stay, the escalating events and the club's evident preference for García indicate that Ter Stegen may need to reconsider his position over the summer, especially as the 2026 World Cup approaches and he wants to be a first-choice goalkeeper.
- If Ter Stegen wants to continue playing regularly and maintain his international prospects, a transfer away from Barcelona appears increasingly likely, though complex due to contractual and financial considerations.
- Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding his employment at FC Barcelona, Marc-André ter Stegen remains passionate about football and maintains hope for a comeback, citing the club's promising youth and the example of Frenkie de Jong as sources of inspiration.
- In the midst of the community bullying he faces at FC Barcelona, ter Stegen finds solace in his love for sports, particularly football, and dreams of representing the national team in the upcoming World Cup, regardless of his community or employment policy challenges.
