FC Barcelona has decided to part ways with Ter Stegen this summer if they manage to sign a top-level goalkeeper. This is the idea after all parts of the sporting management have discussed it, believing that the German has already passed his best level and won't recover it. At 33 years old, he has a contract signed until 2028 with one of the highest salaries on the squad: but he is clear about it, if they don't want him, he is willing to leave.
Throughout his career, Ter Stegen has been in Neuer's shadow in Germany. With the veteran goalkeeper retired from the national team, what the Barcelona player doesn't want is to miss the next World Cup. He understands that if Joan García or another goalkeeper arrives, it is to take his place and he would be willing to leave. In this sense, his departure from Barça would mean another goodbye: that of his right-hand man José Ramón de la Fuente.
Ter Stegen and José Ramón de la Fuente: Linked contracts
Due to all the rumors that have been circulating, in the last few hours journalist Javi Miguel has surprised everyone. If Ter Stegen leaves FC Barcelona, the goalkeeping coach will also leave: José Ramón de la Fuente. Last summer there were doubts about his continuity with Flick's arrival, but they chose to keep him to give him a vote of trust.
The truth is that Barça have had many doubts about José Ramón de la Fuente's role in recent years. In his last contract renewal, one of the conditions set by the now Barcelona captain was to secure the continuity of his right-hand man. He fully trusts him and considers him the best possible coach.
There is maximum expectation these days regarding the future of the goalkeeping coach. Right now, it seems that José Ramón de la Fuente is more out than in, just like Ter Stegen.
Hansi Flick already has José Ramón de la Fuente's replacement in mind
Madrid-Barcelona has learned that, if José Ramón de la Fuente leaves, his replacement is already at Barça. We're talking about Toni Tapalovic, a member of his technical staff who holds the position of assistant coach. Initially, he was expected to arrive as Hansi Flick's goalkeeping coach, but the plans fell through after learning about this clause.
If Ter Stegen leaves and José Ramón de la Fuente consequently departs, Toni Tapalovic would return to a position in which he has years of experience. In fact, he performed these duties at Bayern during Flick's last stint.