AS Monaco is relentlessly pursuing a key Barcelona veteran to strengthen their squad for the 2025/26 season, undeterred by an initial rejection.
Despite Barcelona’s successful 2024/25 campaign, which saw them secure a domestic double, financial pressures and La Liga’s 1:1 financial fair play rule are forcing the club to consider offloading high earners.
The player in question, a pivotal figure at Camp Nou, is being targeted by Monaco to bolster their ambitions in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
With new signings shifting Barcelona’s squad dynamics, this transfer saga highlights the delicate balance between loyalty and financial necessity for the Catalan giants.
The player at the heart of Monaco’s interest is Barcelona’s captain and goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Ligue 1 side sees the 33-year-old German as the ideal addition, given his exceptional ball-playing ability and vast experience in elite competitions.
Ter Stegen, who has been with Barcelona since 2014, rejected Monaco’s initial approach, reaffirming his commitment to the club.
However, Barcelona’s recent moves, including the arrival of Joan García and Wojciech Szczęsny’s contract extension, have cast doubt on his role as the first-choice goalkeeper.
With the club eyeing García as a long-term option, ter Stegen’s high wages make him a potential candidate for a lucrative transfer.
With three years left on his contract and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he is focused on reclaiming his spot.
Barcelona must weigh the benefits of retaining a club legend against easing their financial strain.
As Monaco prepares a renewed offer, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether ter Stegen stays or embarks on a new chapter, potentially reshaping both clubs’ futures.
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