Barcelona send a clear message to disgruntled captain over future | OneFootball

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is spending a summer break clouded by uncertainty. After taking part in the UEFA Nations League with Germany, the goalkeeper has seen Barcelona move to sign Joan Garcia, who is set to become the team’s starting goalkeeper next season.

Ter Stegen, under contract until 2028, has expressed his desire to remain at the club and has grown furious about the recent developments.

Barcelona will respect whatever decision he makes. But the 33-year-old risks being benched – potentially even as third-choice – since the club will also renew Wojciech Szczesny to serve as backup.

Either bench or the World Cup

As such, SPORT reports that Barcelona’s strategy with regard to Ter Stegen’s future is clear – either accept a bench role at the club or leave so as to secure his place in Germany’s lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Barcelona have made their position clear early by investing €25 million to sign Garcia. He will be the starting goalkeeper, Szczesny the backup, and the third spot is expected to go to an academy player, most likely Diego Kochen.

Inaki Pena and Ter Stegen are both out of the picture. There is no turning back. And, the German ace already knows that a transfer would be the best move from a sporting perspective.

While there is interest from other clubs in the German international, any move will require negotiation and would be easier with the goalkeeper’s cooperation.

What will Ter Stegen decide? (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Although stepping away would be a difficult move for Barcelona’s first captain, the reality is clear: if he stays, he will not play, and that could have serious consequences for his career ambitions.

Germany spot under threat

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has named Ter Stegen his first-choice goalkeeper following Manuel Neuer’s retirement from international football – but only on the condition that he plays regularly.

Nagelsmann started Ter Stegen in both matches in the recent Nations League campaign. Despite Germany finishing fourth, the goalkeeper delivered a strong performance, preventing a worse outcome.

The coach fully trusts him, but will be unable to include him in the 2026 World Cup squad in the United States, Mexico, and Canada if he remains inactive.

At 33, Ter Stegen will have offers and the chance to sign what could be his final major contract. Barcelona hope he carefully considers the reality of his situation and accepts that his only real option is to leave.