Due to back surgery, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been sidelined since the summer and has not played a single game for FC Barcelona this season. In a huge breakthrough, nevertheless, the German international has returned to group training today and is moving closer and closer to gaining the green light from the medical department.
However, considering that Joan Garcia is now the clear starter in goal for Barcelona, Ter Stegen might not get into the roster – something that could hamper his World Cup dreams with Germany. As a result, rumours of a January departure—either permanently or on loan—have been circulating for a while, and the player himself is reportedly receptive to the idea after first being hesitant.
Ter Stegen is currently attracting interest from a number of European teams ahead of the January transfer window, according to reputable transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano. The 33-year-old has been warned that he would need to play frequently in order to be the No. 1 for Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Ter Stegen has a big decision to make in January
Given their desire to preserve Ter Stegen’s salary (or at least a significant portion of it), Barcelona will undoubtedly not obstruct his potential departure. The custodian is one of the club’s best earners; therefore, his departure would be a significant aid towards resolving their well-documented financial woes.
Ter Stegen will need to leave Barcelona in order to secure his position as Germany’s starting custodian for the 2026 World Cup, since he will not play for the club in the buildup to the event. He has expressed doubts about making a move, but recent rumours indicate that he is growing more open to the notion of joining another team for the second half of the season.
It remains to be seen how the issue with Ter Stegen develops. Barcelona will hope he goes, but a departure is far from inevitable at this point.
