Barcelona overcame a rough start to LaLiga and held a four-point lead over rivals Real Madrid before the end-of-year break and Spanish Super Cup. The uncertainty surrounding Marc-André ter Stegen now appears to be coming to an end.
Girona Will Attempt to Persuade Barcelona to Negotiate Marc-André Ter Stegen’s Transfer
After starting the season sidelined by a long-term injury, Ter Stegen endured sitting on the bench as newly signed goalkeeper Joan Garcia rose in prominence, losing significant playing time under coach Hansi Flick.
The German national team goalkeeper suffered physical issues and required surgery at the start of the 2025/26 season, as Barcelona confirmed García and Wojciech Szczęsny as their goalkeepers. Aiming to regain fitness for the World Cup, Ter Stegen is close to signing with Girona.
Information published by the newspaper Sport (via Goal.com) indicates that sporting director Quique Carcel contacted Barcelona to inquire about the goalkeeper’s availability and his current physical condition following back surgery. Depending on the answers, he will move forward and formalize an attempt to sign him in January.
Girona is taking precautions ahead of January, since Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic is likely to end his loan and join Dinamo Zagreb. This move could leave the team with fewer options, especially given the poor form of starter Paulo Gazzaniga.
Aware of Girona’s interest in signing Ter Stegen, manager Michel took advantage of a recent press conference to praise the German national team goalkeeper. He said, “He is a top-level player; everyone would like to have a goalkeeper like Ter Stegen.”
Barcelona May Reconsider Ter Stegen’s Departure
However, on the other hand, Barcelona does not seem so willing to let their goalkeeper go so easily to a LaLiga rival. After starting in the 2-0 victory against Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey, Ter Stegen was also highly praised by Hansi Flick, who emphasized that his selection was a “reward” for his behavior and recovery work in recent months.
“Marc is the captain and has played many games in the 12 years he has been here. We talked with the rest of the coaches, and we wanted to give him the opportunity to play. He is back. It is only for this match and I think it is a good next step. He had the opportunity to return and he took it. He has given a lot to the club and must be respected,” said Flick.
Looking ahead, currently in 18th place with 15 points after 17 games, Girona is pinning much of its hopes for LaLiga’s resumption on Ter Stegen, hoping that Barcelona will confirm the goalkeeper’s release before the transfer window closes.
