Goalkeeper Marc-André leaves Barca on loan. He wants to increase his World Cup chances.
The transfer of national goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen from FC Barcelona to FC Girona is perfect.
The 33-year-old, who had lost his regular place with the leader of the Spanish Primera División, joins the league rival until the end of the season to increase his chances of playing at the Football World Cup in summer in the USA, Canada, and Mexico (June 11 to July 19).
Marc-André ter Stegen leaves Barca
Barcelona and Girona agreed on a loan, with ter Stegen’s new club reportedly covering 25 percent of the top earner’s salary. The transfer had been brewing for weeks; on Tuesday, ter Stegen was then missing from Barca’s Champions League squad for Wednesday’s match in Prague.
Flick announces ter Stegen’s transfer
“I think Marc is a fantastic goalkeeper. We decided differently for the future of the club, and I think that was the right decision,” said Flick: “But I wish him all the best, because he is a fantastic goalkeeper and maybe we will see him in the German national team at the World Cup. I’m crossing my fingers for him. I think he has good chances.”
Ter Stegen moved from his hometown Mönchengladbach to Barcelona in 2014 and became a great support and, since 2024, captain for the Catalans. In 423 games, he conceded only 416 goals and yet was sidelined before the season. A severe knee injury and back surgery set the Stegen back.
Baumann relocates to Stegen
This season, he only played once in the cup – far too little for his World Cup ambitions. “He must, of course, play in the second half of the season,” DFB sporting director Rudi Völler had recently emphasized.
The “eternal” crown prince ter Stegen had taken over the position in the German goal after Manuel Neuer’s retirement after the home European Championship in 2024. In his absence, Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann rose to become the temporary number one.
Ter Stegen’s new club Girona is currently eleventh, but the trend is upwards. In 20 games, there were six wins and eight losses. 34 goals conceded mean the weakest defense in La Liga.
Last season, Girona still played in the Champions League. From ter Stegen’s perspective, the move also has the advantage that he remains close to his children. Girona is located only about 100 km north of Barcelona.