Marc-Andre ter Stegen has made a decisive call on his future at Barcelona as the club nears a deal for Espanyol’s Joan García.
Multiple reports say that FC Barcelona is about to sign RCD Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García for a long-term deal.
They hope to trigger García’s €25 million release clause and are viewed as the favorites to sign him, despite interest from Premier League clubs.
The 24-year-old García wants to play regularly and has reportedly been provided assurances by sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick that he will have the chance to compete for ownership of the No. 1 position.
That leaves Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is the club captain and first-choice goalkeeper for Barcelona, dealing with pressure on his job.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the 33-year-old German international is aware of Barcelona’s effort to sign García, and has reiterated that he wants to remain as the primary goalkeeper.
Although the club would accept offers on ter Stegen, his high wages and lack of suitors currently would make it hard to make a transfer happen, leading to a possible open competition between García and ter Stegen for the starting position next season.
The situation has incurred tension among supporters, with the ‘#TerStegen out’ campaign again circulating on X, signalling a significant escalation in criticism of the veteran goalkeeper.
Ter Stegen is said to be annoyed about the backlash but is still wholly committed to Barcelona, especially with the 2026 World Cup coming up.
The potential arrival of García, who should officially join soon, will make the situation even more interesting.
As Barcelona works within Financial Fair Play guidelines, and fans expect results, the outcome of this competition could be decisive for both players and hope to achieve their ambitions ahead of the new season.
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