Barcelona returns before the start of the preseason next weekend, and in particular it will be a decisive time for Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The situation of the 33-year-old has attracted a lot of speculation in recent weeks and on his return to the club he will have defined things.
Ter Stegen is almost a decade Barcelona's first-choice goalkeeper, but he will be replaced from next season. Joan Garcia is expected to be the new number one of the club after his move from Espanyol, while Wojciech Szczesny, who will donate a new contract in the coming days, will act as a backup.
That would leave third in the pecking order, but he does not officially know this yet. But next week it will be communicated to him by Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, as reported by Sport.
It is on this point that Ter Stegen will make a decision. Barcelona will not force his departure, although they are willing to accept offers from clubs that want to sign him. He has indicated that his desire to stay, but that can change when the reality in that he will not play next season unless he leaves.
And this is an important detail. Next season is crucial for Ter Stegen, given that the World Cup 2026 is at the end in June/July. He is currently the starter of Germany, but if he does not play regularly, his place can be taken away.
Barcelona plays on this and they hope that it will lead to an exit looking for Teregen, for which he has already set requirements. His departure would be enormous for the Catalans, because it would make it possible to save his wages – making it easier for Garcia and other possible signing sessions to register.
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