In a surprising move, recent hours have witnessed a major escalation within the corridors of a major European club, after a prominent official asked a key player to leave immediately, without waiting for the end of his contract.
The decision was not random; rather, it followed internal developments that signaled a radical shift in the starting lineup—particularly in a highly sensitive position.
The player, once considered essential, has now become both a technical and financial burden, amid mounting pressure to find a definitive solution for his future.
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In this context, Joan Laporta met again in recent hours with a player who has been causing significant trouble within Barcelona, directly urging him to leave the club as soon as possible.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Marc-André ter Stegen’s situation within the team has become untenable, especially after the arrival of Juan García, who accepted the Catalan club’s offer following clear guarantees that he would be the first-choice goalkeeper in all competitions and would play every possible minute.
This was the primary reason behind García’s rejection of other, more lucrative offers, as he prioritized a sporting project that promised him a starting role. The club agreed to this condition, and the current objective is to find a way out for Ter Stegen, the team captain, in whom trust has significantly eroded.
Although the German goalkeeper is still regarded as top-class, his recurring and complex injuries—some of which have required surgery—combined with his advancing age, have led the club’s management to question his ability to consistently perform at the required level.
Hansi Flick would, in theory, welcome the option of having two high-level goalkeepers—García and Ter Stegen (pending the official announcement of García’s signing from Espanyol). However, the German coach recognizes that this scenario is not realistic.
Ter Stegen is unlikely to accept a backup role, especially in a pivotal season for him with the World Cup on the horizon. Following Manuel Neuer’s withdrawal from international duty, he has become a strong candidate to take over as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Moreover, Barcelona cannot afford the high salary of a goalkeeper who is not playing regularly. This financial strain has prompted the club to open the door for Ter Stegen’s departure—and even push him to make a decision.
Several clubs have already expressed interest in acquiring his services, including AC Milan, Olympique de Marseille, AS Monaco, and Juventus, as well as multiple clubs from the Saudi Pro League.
Both Laporta and Deco are working to facilitate his exit in the smoothest way possible.
The club is even prepared to accept any reasonable offer—or release him through a mutual settlement—on the condition that he offers a respectful farewell that serves both his interests and those of the club.
However, the biggest obstacle remains Ter Stegen’s current stance, which has shown no flexibility so far.
The player believes he can convince Flick during the preseason that he deserves to retain his starting spot and that he can outperform Juan García.
In order to agree to leave Barcelona—where his contract runs until 2028—Ter Stegen is demanding substantial financial compensation, as he is unwilling to forgo the guaranteed amount stipulated in his deal.
