Distance Increases between the Team Members:
**Ter Stegen's Declining Status at FC Barcelona**
The 2022-2023 season and beyond have seen a notable change in the fortunes of Marc-André ter Stegen at FC Barcelona. The German goalkeeper, who joined the club from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014 and has won several titles with the team, including the Champions League and six Spanish championship titles, has found himself demoted to the third-choice goalkeeper position.
This demotion comes following the arrival of Joan García, who was signed from Espanyol on a six-year contract and is now considered Barcelona's new starting goalkeeper. Ter Stegen's injury issues in the previous season, which led to Wojciech Szczesny being brought in as a replacement, have contributed to this change in his status.
Ter Stegen, who is under contract until 2028, has shown no current intention to leave the club. However, Barcelona is keen to offload him, as the financially struggling club may find it expensive to maintain him as a bench warmer. Ter Stegen's reluctance to leave stems from his need for regular playing time to maintain his place as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, particularly with the next World Cup approaching.
Rumors and speculation about Ter Stegen's future have linked him to Inter Milan, but no confirmed transfer has materialized as yet. Ter Stegen is also reportedly considering undergoing surgery for an ongoing issue, which could influence his transfer prospects.
Coach Hansi Flick has not made any public statements regarding Ter Stegen's situation, and coach Hansi Flick has prepared for an intense week without a break after the holidays. Meanwhile, Wojciech Szczesny, who was brought in during Ter Stegen's absence, has recently been given a new contract.
Joan García, who is just 24 years old, has been given a long-term contract until mid-2031, further solidifying his position as Barcelona's starting goalkeeper. The Spanish media describes him as Flick's preferred candidate for the goalkeeper position.
Ter Stegen's current situation at FC Barcelona may affect his standing in the national team, as he needs regular playing time to maintain his place as Germany’s No. 1 goalkeeper. The long-serving Barcelona goalkeeper has been downgraded due to the signing of Joan García from city rivals Espanyol, and his future at the club remains uncertain.
Ter Stegen's demotion at FC Barcelona has been noticed, as he went from being a first-choice goalkeeper to the third-choice, with European leagues like Laliga witnessing a change in his status. The German keeper, despite his contract until 2028, might find himself moving to Inter Milan or similar clubs, seeking regular playtime to secure his position as Germany's first-choice in football.
