In Barça's locker room, people don't speak openly, but many think about it. What's happening with Marc-André ter Stegen hasn't gone over well.
The German goalkeeper, who seemed willing to negotiate his future and allow for a renewal in goal, has taken a step back at the last moment. He's staying. Not out of love for the badge, but for personal strategy.
The club, facing serious problems with financial fair play, was counting on his departure or, at least, a significant reduction in his salary. But Ter Stegen isn't moving.
His net salary of €12 million compromises the registration of new players. Especially that of Joan García, a goalkeeper signed from Espanyol and whom Hansi Flick has counted on from the very first minute. The plan is now faltering.
Ter Stegen doesn't want to give up the World Cup
Ter Stegen isn't only thinking about Barça. His goal is further away: the 2026 World Cup with Germany.
He knows that to be on Julian Nagelsmann's list, Germany's coach, he doesn't need to play the entire season. Six good months are enough for him.
If the situation doesn't change at Camp Nou, his intention is clear: to go on loan in January to a team where he can get minutes.
Until then, he'll block any alternative. He believes he's the best and is convinced he'll end up playing. If that's not the case, there will still be time to look for a temporary exit.
What he doesn't want, under any circumstances, is to lose visibility in the first half of the season.
Joan García, the collateral victim
Joan García has arrived at Barça with all the excitement in the world. Young, with potential, and liked by the new coaching staff. But with no salary margin to be registered, everything is hanging in the air.
Flick wants him, but the economic reality prevails. Ter Stegen's salary takes up the space Joan needs.
The club is working on several formulas so he can be registered before the start of LaLiga. Everything depends, one way or another, on a solution with Ter Stegen. That doesn't seem close.
Clash of interests in Barça's goal
What in theory should've been an orderly transition has ended up as a cold war in goal. The bet on Joan García was clear, but Ter Stegen isn't making it easy.
With a contract, a high salary, and his eyes on the World Cup, the German is willing to push things to the limit. For now, he's succeeding.