Hansi Flick’s staff believes Barcelona captain would not be a starter next season if 24-year-old player arrives this summer | OneFootball

Although 2024-25 was a memorable season for FC Barcelona in general, the first captain of the team, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, was unable to contribute a lot to his team’s success as he remained on the sidelines with a serious knee injury for most part of the season.

The German shot-stopper recovered from this injury only at the very end of the season, but was able to get some minutes in the last remaining games when the league title had already been wrapped up.

Ter Stegen might not be a starter next season

With his recovery, most observers would have expected him to get back his starting role between the sticks for the Blaugrana team next season. However, things are not going to be as simple for him, as Wojciech Szczesny can also stay for another season, and the Catalans are also keen to add the RCD Espanyol goalie, Joan Garcia, to their team.

This is clear from a report from Mundo Deportivo, which reveals the thoughts of Hansi Flick and his coaching staff about the goalkeeping position for the next season.

The report claims that the Catalans will sign Garcia as a starter, which means Ter Stegen would not have the regular playing time next season.

Thus, Flick’s staff believes that the best thing for the club captain, who would be eyeing a starting spot with his German national team, would be to leave Barcelona and look for another team where he can be a regular starter.

Barcelona looking for an overhaul

Another factor that can push Ter Stegen away from the Blaugrana team is the club’s emphasis on rejuvenating its team. Since Joan Laporta’s arrival, most of the team has been replaced by younger new players, and the German goalkeeper remains one of the few players left from the traumatic 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in 2020.

In total, the goalkeeper has spent 10 seasons with Barcelona, and although he has three more years left on his contract, the Blaugranes believe it is time to look for a replacement in goal. Now, it remains to be seen how this situation develops in the coming months, and who will start in goal for Hansi Flick next season.