A key veteran figure at Barcelona is nearing the end of his time at Camp Nou with an exit looking increasingly likely.
The 33-year-old stalwart, a cornerstone of multiple trophy hauls and a symbol of stability through turbulent times, now faces an uncertain future as Hansi Flick reshapes the squad for sustained dominance.
Deco’s strategic overhaul, constrained by FFP realities and the upcoming presidential elections, has placed this veteran in a precarious position, with his current loan arrangement serving as the prelude to a permanent goodbye.
That star is Marc-André ter Stegen, whose January loan to Girona – formalised between both clubs until June 2026 – marks the beginning of his separation from Barcelona after 423 appearances and 20 major honours since joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014, as reported by Diario Sport.
Excelling at Girona (currently 11th in La Liga), ter Stegen seeks consistent minutes to secure his spot as Germany’s World Cup No. 1 this summer, with the Catalan outfit covering just 10% of his substantial wages while Barça shoulders the balance.
Indications are clear: he will not return after the loan, despite a contract extending to 2028, with permanent transfer discussions already underway.
Flick’s endorsement of Joan García – the €25m Espanyol acquisition who has locked down the starting role with nine clean sheets – has demoted ter Stegen to deputy status, exacerbated by his recovery from back surgery and previous knee troubles.
The German national team sees his Girona stint as beneficial for rhythm, but Barcelona prioritises wage relief through a sale, potentially to Saudi suitors or a Premier League comeback.
Ter Stegen, who briefly lost the captaincy amid injury-related friction, left with heartfelt messages that reflect evolving team dynamics.
Ter Stegen’s legacy as a treble winner and Champions League standout remains untarnished, yet pragmatism prevails.
A permanent exit would fittingly close a storied chapter, marrying sentiment with the demands of a youth-focused, financially sustainable future.
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