Marc-André ter Stegen has already made a decision. He has received the harshest message since he arrived at Camp Nou a decade ago. Hansi Flick has told him that he isn't part of his plans for the 2025-26 season, and he did so bluntly.
The coach prefers to give way to a new model in goal, one that's more affordable and more in line with the club's restructuring. Ter Stegen will be one of the first high-profile casualties of this new era.
Room must be made to register Nico Williams
The message sent from the sporting management is clear: Ter Stegen must pack his bags. Because of his high salary and his loss of influence in the team. The need to free up wage space to register signings like Nico Williams has hastened a decision that the goalkeeper himself already expected.
In fact, Flick didn't count on him as coach during the Qatar World Cup, even though Neuer was coming off a long injury. Now history repeats itself on Barça's bench. The farewell is inevitable.
According to AS, Ter Stegen has already activated his exit plan. The German goalkeeper has several offers on the table, and everything suggests that his destination will be the Premier League.
Chelsea, number one candidate
Newcastle and Chelsea are leading the race to secure his services. Although there have also been contacts with Manchester United, which is looking for competition for Onana. The option that most appeals to Ter Stegen is London, and Chelsea is the favorite to complete his signing.
Lothar Matthäus, an authoritative voice in German soccer, has stated on "Sky Sport" that "what Ter Stegen is experiencing is very unpleasant for him." He also said "he assumes he'll leave Barça so he doesn't lose his place in the national team."
Nagelsmann, Germany's coach, won't be able to justify calling him up if the goalkeeper spends the season on the bench, which has been decisive in Marc's decision.
From the club, Deco and Flick have agreed on an orderly exit, but without mincing words. Ter Stegen's time in Barcelona is considered over and work is already underway to find his replacement. Joan García will be the starting goalkeeper and the backup will be Szczęsny.
With these moves, Barça will significantly reduce its wage bill and open up space in the squad for new signings.
Ter Stegen, at 33 years old, didn't want to leave Barça this way, but he is aware that trust has been broken. After a decade defending the blaugrana goal, he is preparing to start a new adventure in England. Chelsea awaits him with open arms and an ambitious project where he can feel important again.