Barcelona might have to pay captain his full salary until 2028 to force him out – report | OneFootball

According to an update by journalist Victor Navarro, Barcelona’s goalkeeping situation is rapidly shifting and Marc-Andre ter Stegen is right at the centre of it.

Despite Joan Garcia’s imminent arrival from Espanyol and Wojciech Szczesny’s role as second-choice, the German veteran remains committed to his contract, which runs until 2028.

This is exactly why if Barcelona want him out, Navarro mentions that they will have to pay him every cent owed until the end of that deal.

Barcelona’s plans for the 2025/26 season are now clear. Garcia is being lined up as the new No. 1, with Szczesny playing backup.

That effectively pushes Ter Stegen out of the sporting project, a shocking twist considering that just weeks ago, he was considered a guaranteed starter.

However, the club’s decision to secure the Espanyol keeper has left the German’s position significantly weakened.

Ter Stegen remains committed to Barcelona

Ter Stegen, however, is not ready to walk away quietly. The 33-year-old remains one of the captains of the team and is reportedly willing to stay and fight for his spot.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has a contract with Barcelona until 2028. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

He is aware of the risks that he will be relegated to the bench or even excluded from matchday squads, but he is still not willing to surrender his position without a battle.

Barcelona, on the other hand, are not hiding their stance anymore. The club admits that an ideal scenario would involve Ter Stegen leaving this summer.

Exit is the best solution

The German’s departure would serve two purposes, namely, avoiding internal conflicts in a newly reshaped goalkeeping unit and freeing up a massive chunk of the wage bill.

Ter Stegen is one of the highest earners at the club, and his salary weighs heavily on Barcelona’s fragile financial structure.

While the club is yet to make an official approach, it is likely that in the coming weeks, they will openly suggest that Ter Stegen look for a new destination.

If the player refuses, Barça will be faced with two options. Keep an unhappy and expensive player on the bench, or terminate his contract and pay out the remainder, something the club would prefer to avoid.