Goalkeeper’s Absence Raises Transfer Speculation Amid Growing Competition
📰 Introduction:
FC Barcelona officially began their 2025/26 pre-season on July 13, with medical tests and team reunions at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. It marked the start of a new era under head coach Hansi Flick. However, one key name was notably missing from full group training — veteran goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. His absence, reportedly due to back discomfort, has reignited rumors that his time at Barça may be coming to an end.
🧤 Ter Stegen’s Uncertain Future at Barcelona
Despite being a club legend and vice-captain, Ter Stegen did not participate in the group session. Reports from El País suggest he stayed indoors due to persistent lower back issues, which have limited his performance over the last year.
More importantly, internal club sources indicate that Barcelona may be open to selling the German goalkeeper. With his high wages and age (33), the club could use the transfer to ease their financial strain under La Liga’s tight salary limits.
> "Ter Stegen remains a world-class keeper, but the club must prioritize balance and future readiness," a source close to the club reportedly said.
⚽ Szczęsny and Joan García Push for Starting Role
Barcelona now have Wojciech Szczęsny, recently signed from Juventus, and Joan García, promoted from Espanyol. Both are available for registration and could challenge for the No.1 spot this summer. Szczęsny brings experience and leadership, while García represents the club’s long-term future.
Hansi Flick is expected to test both players during the Japan–Korea preseason tour, which kicks off later this month.
💰 Financial Decisions Still Driving Sporting Moves
Barcelona’s salary cap problems continue to affect player planning. Ter Stegen is among the club's highest earners, and letting him go would free up significant space to:
Register new signings (like Roony Bardghji)
Pursue targets such as Luis Díaz
Comply with UEFA Financial Fair Play
The club must register players before the La Liga deadline in early August — a race against time that may require painful decisions.
📆 What’s Next for Ter Stegen?
Unless his fitness improves quickly or contract terms are renegotiated, Ter Stegen may be pushed toward a summer exit. Bayern Munich and clubs from Saudi Arabia are reportedly interested, though no official bid has been made yet.
> The preseason could determine whether the German remains Flick’s No.1 or becomes a victim of the financial rebuild.
🧩 Conclusion: A Pivotal Pre-Season Begins
Barcelona’s pre-season began with optimism and focus — but also quiet uncertainty. The absence of Ter Stegen may seem minor now, but in the high-stakes world of Barça’s squad planning, every session counts.
As new signings arrive and the team prepares to travel to Asia, Hansi Flick must make tough decisions. For Ter Stegen, this summer could be career-defining — either as a rebirth at Barça or a dignified departure after nearly a decade between the posts.
