Manchester City is making moves quietly. Ederson's continuity isn't guaranteed and at the Etihad they're already studying reliable alternatives. Pep Guardiola doesn't want to repeat mistakes and is looking for a top-level goalkeeper, with experience on big stages and the ability to build from the back.
This isn't a random search. Guardiola has had a name in mind for years. He's trying again.
He wanted him a decade ago, when he had just arrived at City, but back then Barça only allowed Claudio Bravo to leave. Now the situation has completely changed.
Marc-André ter Stegen has entered the scene.
The Santpedor coach has always admired the German goalkeeper's qualities. He considers him a complete goalkeeper: agile, composed, and brilliant with the ball at his feet.
Ideal for City's style. Now, when it was least expected, he's asked about him again.
Guardiola has contacted his friend Joan Laporta directly. It hasn't been a mediated or leaked operation.
A personal conversation in which Pep openly asked: "Is Ter Stegen available?" What he found was unexpected.
Barça haven't closed the door. Quite the opposite. They've opened it for him.
Laporta makes the operation easier
The blaugrana president is aware that Ter Stegen's situation isn't ideal. He hasn't trained with the group this preseason and is dealing with chronic back discomfort.
He's not expected to travel to the Asian tour. His salary is €12 million net per season.
A figure that conditions the club in the midst of a financial adjustment process. In fact, if the German leaves, Joan García could be registered without any issues. The wage bill would be significantly reduced.
That's why Laporta hasn't put up barriers. He doesn't demand a transfer fee. The only requirement is that City take on the goalkeeper's salary, just like that.
A negotiated exit
The club's intention is clear: not to push Ter Stegen to leave, but also not to block a move that could ease the accounts. If the goalkeeper agrees to leave and Guardiola convinces him, the path is clear.
Everything will now depend on the footballer himself. City has already received the green light. Barça has done its part and Pep has his opportunity.