At FC Barcelona, they've found an unexpected formula to solve the goalkeeper puzzle. After weeks of talks, club and player have opened a path that could take Marc-André ter Stegen back to Germany.
The plan involves a loan to Borussia Mönchengladbach, his original club. There, the goalkeeper would recover from his injury and accumulate the necessary minutes to attend the 2026 World Cup.
The proposal has the approval of the player himself and Joan Laporta. The blaugrana president sees this operation as a way to satisfy all parties.
Borussia is delighted to welcome back—albeit temporarily—one of its historic goalkeepers. Meanwhile, ter Stegen would have the chance to secure the starting spot for the German national team. Barça would give Joan García valuable playing time.
The key: the 2026 World Cup
Ter Stegen knows he won't have a guaranteed starting spot with Germany if he doesn't rack up top-level minutes before the World Cup. Competition for the German goal is fierce, and every match counts.
The problem is that at Barça, with his recovery time, the emergence of Joan García, and the rotations planned by the coaching staff, he could see his role reduced.
A loan to Borussia would solve the dilemma. There, he would be undisputed, and he'd do so in an environment he knows well.
For Germany, the operation is perfect: its goalkeeper would arrive in top form and with competitive rhythm. For Barça, the benefit is the chance to evaluate its young goalkeeper in a leading role.
Joan García, the great opportunity
The club fully trusts Joan García, but so far he hasn't been tested in a goal like Barça's. Ter Stegen's temporary departure would open that space. Joan García will be able to show whether he's ready to defend the blaugrana goal in the long term.
If Joan García meets expectations, Barça could reconsider the future of the goal. If not, ter Stegen's return at the end of the season would keep experience and quality between the posts. In any case, the club will gain valuable information to decide in June.
An open door for everyone
At 32, ter Stegen still has room to compete at the highest level. The player himself has shown willingness to accept a temporary move if it guarantees he'll arrive at the World Cup in top form. Borussia Mönchengladbach hasn't taken long to show its interest, and negotiations are at an advanced stage.
In January, a move could be finalized that, far from being a break, is presented as a strategic solution. An agreement that, if successful, will strengthen ter Stegen, give Joan García a golden opportunity, and allow Barça to make decisions with all the information on the table.