Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is reportedly reconsidering his future and may seek a move away from the club during the January transfer window.
World Cup Push Could Force Ter Stegen Out of Barcelona in January
This surprising development comes as the German international faces a critical period in his career, needing regular playing time to secure his spot for next summer’s World Cup.
According to reports from Sky Germany, cited by Diario Sport, the 33-year-old shot-stopper is now more open to analyzing the possibility of a six-month transfer or loan.
This marks a significant shift in his previously stated position, where he had dismissed the idea of a winter exit.
Ter Stegen is currently in a long-term recovery phase after undergoing back surgery to resolve a persistent issue. His absence from the pitch coincides with Barcelona’s summer signing of goalkeeper Joan García.
The widespread understanding within the club suggests that even if fit, Ter Stegen would not have been the automatic first-choice under new manager Hansi Flick following García’s arrival.
This combination of factors makes a January move increasingly logical for the player. With the World Cup on the horizon, Ter Stegen desperately requires consistent match action to regain his top form and physical conditioning.
A loan spell or a permanent transfer to a club where he would be the undisputed starter could provide the solution.
While the club has not released an official statement, this new stance from the German camp indicates that a winter departure is now a real possibility.
Barcelona management will now have to weigh the benefits of retaining an experienced but injured player against facilitating a move that could help him return to peak fitness ahead of a major tournament.
All eyes will be on the Camp Nou as this situation develops in the coming weeks.
