Marc-André ter Stegen is experiencing his worst moment since he arrived at FC Barcelona in 2014. The German, who is now 33 years old and is captain, is seeing how they want to bring in competition for him and want to get rid of him. With a contract until 2028, he is clear about his intention and it doesn't involve leaving Camp Nou: he promises to fight anyone who arrives, unless one condition for his departure is met.
Ter Stegen requests it: Barça has to decide
In the last few hours, Víctor Navarro, a journalist from COPE, has revealed on his X (Twitter) account that Ter Stegen "doesn't plan to leave". The reason the German points out is his captaincy and the fact that he has a valid contract until 2028. Despite this, he would have left a small opening for his departure, which would pose a serious financial problem for Barça.
To leave, Ter Stegen has been clear and forceful with Barça: if they want him to go, they should terminate his contract. This is his requirement, demanding to get paid everything he's owed until 2028, when his contract ends.
There would be another possibility on the table for him to change his mind and leave Barcelona in another way. What the German goalkeeper wants is for Hansi Flick to tell him to his face that "he won't play anymore and has no options". Only then would he seriously consider leaving a team where he is captain.
Difficult situation for Ter Stegen
The "capi" didn't expect it at all. After overcoming a second complicated injury, he has seen how Barça intends to get rid of him. It seems that the agreement with Joan García is very close to being finalized, and this would leave Ter Stegen in a complicated position.
Joan would arrive at FC Barcelona to be the undisputed starter in La Liga and Champions League, he has no doubt. In addition to the Catalan, it is expected that in the coming days the renewal of veteran Szczesny will be confirmed, who will sign for one year plus an optional one.
With this in mind, Ter Stegen's situation seems really complicated in a Barça that is ready to turn the page. The trust in him is minimal after two serious injuries and a performance that still doesn't convince. But the situation is by no means simple: the German promises to fight and will only leave if they terminate his contract and pay him everything he would be owed until 2028.