Ter Stegen’s Challenging Season: From Captaincy to Potential Loan

In August 2024, Marc-André ter Stegen was appointed as Barcelona’s new captain, a recognition of his remarkable contribution to the club with over 400 appearances and multiple titles, including five La Ligas, five Copa del Reys, and a Champions League trophy.

However, just a month later, he sustained a significant knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 season. During the previous summer, Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick informed ter Stegen that he would be the club’s third-choice goalkeeper, following the arrival of summer signing Joan García and Wojciech Szczesny. To date, ter Stegen has only featured once this season, during a Copa del Rey match where Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory over Guadalajara.

Flick has since made it clear that García is his preferred choice for the starting goalkeeper position. “Joan is number one,” Flick asserted. “I am not going to discuss the second or third goalkeeper. Joan plays, we believe in him, and I have no intention of changing him. He has performed exceptionally well. I’ve had discussions with him, which is part of my role, but it remains between us.”

Following a reduction in his role, ter Stegen reportedly declined interest from West Ham during the January transfer window, but rumors of a potential move within La Liga are gaining traction. The signs of a shift in ter Stegen’s standing at the club became evident in August when Flick indicated that García was set to be the primary goalkeeper.

Flick commented on García’s potential, stating, “With Joan García, we have a young, talented goalkeeper performing at a high level. Everyone agreed that he should be the future of Barça. Therefore, our approach was clear. Communication with ter Stegen could certainly improve, and I take responsibility for that. It’s crucial that Marc and the club foster better communication. I want Marc to return from injury as he is a top goalkeeper and will receive all the support he needs to regain his form.”

As per Fabrizio Romano, the 33-year-old ter Stegen is expected to join Girona on loan for the second half of the season, rather than making a permanent switch. With the World Cup approaching, ter Stegen has been advised to play regularly to ensure he secures a place as the starting goalkeeper for Germany. Last week, Germany’s sporting director Rudi Völler emphasized the importance of ter Stegen gaining match fitness following his injury. “Ter Stegen must play, especially considering his injury history. He needs to get back into form, regardless of his talent,” Völler stated.

If the loan transfer is finalized swiftly, ter Stegen could make his debut for Girona next Monday against Getafe in La Liga. Alternatively, he may feature in a match against Oviedo on January 31 or even face his parent club in league action on January 15.