So, what's the lowdown on Barcelona? Hamann suggests ter Stegen: Time to consider a new club, mate
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Barcelona's veteran goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, might be facing a significant change after some shake-ups at the club. Former national player Dietmar Hamann advises ter Stegen to keep his eyes peeled for a new team, given the rumors of Barcelona signing Joan Garcia from city rivals Espanyol.
Hamann's Verdict: There's no two ways about it
Though ter Stegen had a stellar performance against France in the Nations League third-place match, if he hopes to bag the number one spot in the upcoming World Cup, he'd best start casting around for greener pastures, Hamann wrote in his column for pay-TV channel Sky. "If Barcelona signs a new goalkeeper, there's no way around a parting of the ways."
Ter Stegen, now 33, moved to Barcelona from Borussia Mönchengladbach back in 2014 and even became the team's captain. Last season, a severe knee injury forced him to take an extended break, but German coach Hansi Flick opted for 35-year-old Wojciech Szczesny, who Barcelona had welcomed after ter Stegen's injury, in the crucial games.
Barcelona's Finances:It's only natural that Barcelona would want to recruit a new goalkeeper right now, Hamann explains. "It's a tough pill to swallow for ter Stegen after such a long layoff," he says. But his top priority should be "getting back to playing regularly again."
With his contract still valid for three more years, ter Stegen may have some negotiating power. However, Barcelona's financial troubles, including the unlikely registration of former Bundesliga player Dani Olmo earlier this year, mean that sorting things out with ter Stegen could become increasingly tricky.
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Dietmar Hamann
- Barcelona
- FC Barcelona
- Parting of the ways
- FIFA World Cup
- Espanyol Barcelona
- Nations League
- France
- Sky
Deeper Dive:
Key Factors Driving a Potential Transfer
Financial Concerns- Ter Stegen is among Barcelona’s high earners, barring him from being an easy sell.- Barcelona seeks to reduce costs and improve financial health by negotiating ter Stegen's exit.
Competition for Starting Spot- The arrival of Joan García is expected to secure his place as the new first-choice keeper.- Wojciech Szczesny is content to stay as backup if García signs, limiting ter Stegen's chances further.- Despite the club's intentions, ter Stegen is reportedly "deeply hurt" and determined to fight for his position.
Current Status and Transfer Speculation
- Ter Stegen's contract runs until 2028.
- He is set to meet with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and new manager Hansi Flick to discuss his future at the club.
- The German press has identified potential destinations for ter Stegen, including AC Milan, should Mike Maignan depart for Chelsea.
In short, Barcelona's pursuit of Joan García and the club's financial struggles may lead to ter Stegen's potential departure, but the goalkeeper is not giving up his spot without a fight.
In light of Barcelona's impending signing of Joan Garcia from Espanyol and financial difficulties, Dietmar Hamann, a former national player, suggests Marc-André ter Stegen, Barcelona's current goalkeeper, considers a new club to maintain his place as a first-choice goalkeeper, particularly with the World Cup approaching. Ter Stegen's contract runs until 2028, but Barcelona's need to reduce costs and improve their financial health might complicate any negotiations, given his high earnings. Despite the potential rumors, ter Stegen remains determined to fight for his position. Meanwhile, AC Milan has been identified as a potential destination for ter Stegen if Mike Maignan departs for Chelsea.
