Marc-André ter Stegen could leave FC Barcelona in the summer. His case evokes memories and shows how cool the Spaniards sometimes treat deserving players.
Marc-André ter Stegen has been playing for FC Barcelona for over ten years, winning 19 titles during that time, including the treble in 2015. But that could soon be history, with the German number 1 facing an unwanted and unpleasant departure.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick is planning with Joan García from city rivals Espanyol Barcelona as the new number one, even if the German stays. The Spaniard’s release clause is 25 million euros, and the official announcement of the transfer seems only a matter of time.
Marc-André ter Stegen has been at FC Barcelona for over ten years
Even more bitter for ter Stegen, who was only elected captain last summer: Wojciech Szczesny is said to become number two, and has recently been offered a new two-year contract.
Ter Stegen would have to be satisfied with the rank of number three, unimaginable given his own ambitions. Club President Joan Laporta is also demonstratively open to changes: “The goalkeeper problem must be investigated,” he said in May on TV3.
“I know that I will be in Barcelona”
Ter Stegen himself, however, was optimistic about standing between the posts for Barca next season: “I know that I will be in Barcelona next season. There is nothing to talk about. Nobody in the club has spoken to me about it, so I’m not worried,” said Germany’s number one at a press conference before the lost semi-final in the Nations League against Portugal.
Just diplomatic purpose-optimism, in order not to further increase the public turmoil?
It is certain that Barca will also be influenced in its personnel planning by its still strained financial situation. According to the current status, the Spanish champion is above the salary limit in LaLiga, and could currently neither register Garcia nor Szczesny for the next season. Only through sales or salary waivers would Flick’s goalkeeper plan be realizable.
A situation that ter Stegen already knows. His current contract, which runs until 2028, was concluded two years ago and structured so that he initially earns less in order to register new players. But in return, his salary increases continuously with increasing contract duration and poses possible hurdles in the renewed registration of players – such as for his competitors Garcia and Szczesny.
Memories of de Jong are awakened
Such circumstances are not the first time in Barcelona. Only three years ago, Frenkie de Jong was to leave the club, even an offer from Manchester United was available. But the Dutchman did not want to leave, was put under pressure by Barca officials and was for months part of discussions about his alleged mega-salary of 40 million euros. “That’s just a lie,” said the 28-year-old at the time and clearly criticized the media’s handling of him.
De Jong is by far not the only one who has experienced such frustration at Barca in recent years. Sergio Busquets, Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba and Ousmane Dembélé were all put under pressure by the local media to leave the club. Media that are in a dependent relationship with Barca and must have received at least keywords from within the club.
“The players all know that they use these strategies and blame them for the club’s financial difficulties,” said an anonymous source from the environment of a former Barca player who experienced this.
Ter Stegen can’t count on a part of the Barca fans either: Under a video that documents the time of his return from injury, there are massive comments with the hashtag #TerStegenOut.
Barca: Is this how you treat deserving players?
However, there is also an example that gives courage: Raphinha. The Brazilian was on the shooting list last summer, with the sale Nico Williams from Bilbao was to be signed. But the 28-year-old stayed, with almost 60 goals in all competitions – and recently extended his contract.
Will ter Stegen, on Sunday with the DFB team in the match for 3rd place in the Nations League against France (3 p.m. in the LIVETICKER) in action, succeed in a similar change? He seems willing to do everything for it.