Barcelona heavyweight returns to training facilities amid question marks over future | OneFootball

According to Mundo Deportivo, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has returned to Barcelona’s training ground at Sant Joan Despí three days ahead of schedule, amidst the tension surrounding his current situation at the club.

While the rest of the squad is due to report on July 13 for medical tests and the official start of pre-season, the goalkeeper has already made his way back, well aware that his future at Barça hangs in the balance.

His early arrival coincided with that of new signing Joan Garcia, who has been brought in to be Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper this season.

The former Espanyol shot-stopper was spotted beginning his gym work, setting the stage for a quiet yet symbolic moment as the two keepers crossed paths at the Ciutat Esportiva.

According to the outlet, also present at the training ground were goalkeeping coach Josep Ramon de la Fuente, who is Ter Stegen’s close confidant and Hansi Flick’s assistant, Toni Tapalovic.

Flick himself is expected to arrive in the city soon, possibly even earlier than planned. All eyes are now on the much-anticipated meeting between Flick and Ter Stegen, where the manager will outline the goalkeeper’s role for the 2025/26 season.

Ter Stegen is on the sidelines

With Barça confirming the contract renewal of Wojciech Szczesny, the message is clear that the club’s goalkeeping future lies with Garcia and Szczesny, not Ter Stegen.

Despite this, the 33-year-old has no intention of leaving Camp Nou this summer. He remains under contract until 2028 and is aiming to be Germany’s starting goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup.

To stay in top form for his national team, Ter Stegen needs consistent game time, something that may be hard to come by if Barcelona stick to their current plan.

Still, his early return signals that he is not ready to back down just yet. Whether he can change the club’s mind remains to be seen, but for now, he is showing up and preparing to fight for his place.