Everything suggested that the Ter Stegen case would be a long one. His recovery after back surgery has become a delicate matter, both from a medical and a sporting perspective. The player doesn't want to rush, the club needs to free up a roster spot, and tension between the parties was starting to grow.
However, in recent hours an offer has arrived that completely changes the scenario. A proposal that, if accepted, would solve the puzzle and allow all parties to be satisfied.
The solution comes from Germany. Paradoxically, not from the operating room, but from the transfer market.
A loan that satisfies everyone
Borussia Mönchengladbach has contacted Ter Stegen's camp. They've expressed their interest in having him on loan until the end of the season.
The German club, where the goalkeeper trained before making the jump to Barça, is looking for an experienced goalkeeper after Omlin's departure. They see the German international as the ideal profile.
The idea is simple: Ter Stegen would continue his recovery in an environment he knows, getting back in shape in Germany. He could return to competition at the end of the year to earn a spot on the national team list for the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Barça would free up his roster spot and could register Joan García without waiting to declare a long-term injury absence.
At 33, Ter Stegen is under contract with Barça until 2028. He earns €12 million per year. His plan is to honor the contract and decide his future at 36.
Ter Stegen is currently focused solely on playing the World Cup with Germany as a starter. His former club, Borussia Mönchengladbach, has offered to take him on loan from January to June.
The goal is for him to get the necessary rhythm to go to the World Cup as the starting goalkeeper. That's now hanging in the air because Nagelsmann trusts Baumann and Neuer's return can't be ruled out.
Borussia's appearance would calm the situation at Barça. By letting go of Ter Stegen, it would gain momentum and breathing room to approach next season in better financial fair play conditions. By then, Ter Stegen and Joan García could probably coexist on the same team, which isn't viable now.
Ter Stegen open to the move
Contrary to what many might think, Ter Stegen himself isn't opposed to the loan. In Mönchengladbach, he'd have the schedule in his favor, less media pressure, and the chance to rediscover his best form.
His camp views positively the possibility of finishing the season in Germany. Because if he goes without minutes until January, his presence at the World Cup could be at risk. He's not willing to take that risk.
Joan García would have a clear path
From Barça's perspective, the move would be perfect. It would avoid forcing a long-term injury absence, free up a roster spot without having to sell anyone, and Joan García could be registered immediately. Hansi Flick is already counting on him for preseason, but without space in the squad, his official debut was hanging in the air.
Everything is in the club's hands, which will have to assess the legal and financial aspects of the loan. The most important thing is already in place: the player's approval and a formal proposal on the table.
If the deal is closed, everyone wins. Especially Barça.