Marc-André Ter Stegen, a key piece for Barcelona for years, is experiencing one of the most difficult moments of his career.
For the fourth day in a row, the German goalkeeper has trained alone in the gym, separated from the rest of the team. The club attributes his absence to back problems that prevent him from training normally. However, the reality seems to go beyond a simple injury.
The relationship between Ter Stegen and Barça is clearly tense. The arrival of Joan García, young and expensive, along with Szczesny's contract renewal, has left the German in the background.
More than that, in an uncomfortable position: that of third-choice goalkeeper. For a 33-year-old player with aspirations to be a starter at the World Cup with Germany, this is not acceptable.
An inevitable departure?
Barcelona doesn't hide its desire to ease its wage bill, and Ter Stegen is one of the highest contracts in the squad. With the need to comply with La Liga's strict financial rules, the club is willing to let him leave if a suitable offer arrives. The goalkeeper is ready to seek playing time at another team and secure his spot on the German national team after Neuer's retirement.
This season, the constant promotion of young Joan García on the club's social media seems like a clear message. Ter Stegen is not the future in the blaugrana goal.
Manchester City, the desired destination
Weeks ago, Galatasaray was mentioned as being interested in Ter Stegen. However, an English giant has entered the race for his signing with force: Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is looking for a successor to Ederson Moraes, and the German fits perfectly into his plans.
Ter Stegen has a contract until 2028 and his release clause, close to €25 million, is manageable for City. In addition, City is closely following every move the goalkeeper makes, ready to make an offer as soon as the situation allows.
The farewell many demand
The story seems written: Ter Stegen says goodbye to Camp Nou to start a new chapter in England. For a player who has given so much to Barcelona, this farewell will be bittersweet, but necessary. Staying at a club where there is no place for him helps neither the goalkeeper nor the team.
Moreover, his arrival at Manchester City could be a boost for both. Ter Stegen would gain the stability and playing time he seeks, while City would strengthen a vital position with a top-level goalkeeper.