Marc-Andre ter Stegen talks Joan Garcia, Barcelona future – ‘I will be here next season’ | OneFootball

Barcelona captain and first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has finally spoken out after growing rumours suggested the club is actively trying to replace him with a younger option, namely, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia.

However, the German shot-stopper is not losing any sleep over the speculation. Facing the media during a recent press conference, Ter Stegen made it clear that he’s not looking over his shoulder.

“Will the rumours that the club wants to sell me affect me? No one has spoken to me about this, so I don’t know the situation. I’m not worried,” he said confidently. “I know I will be at Barcelona next year.”

Calm amid the storm

Despite reports suggesting that Barça are ready to commit to Garcia as the future No. 1, Ter Stegen remains unmoved. The 33-year-old, who is under contract until 2028, does not see any reason to panic.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen will not leave Barcelona. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

“I haven’t spoken to Hansi Flick and there has not been any contact in recent days because I don’t see any reason for that at the moment,” he explained. “Nothing has happened that justifies the conversation.”

Ter Stegen also made it clear that any newcomer will have to earn their place. “If I remember correctly, and if nothing new has happened in the last few hours, we only have two goalkeepers for next season, Inaki and I,” he said.

“So basically, the competition is between us. And whoever comes in, no matter what, will have to face this competition.”

“At Barça, there’s always competition, no matter the circumstances. It’s natural for the club to always look to improve. That’s what makes this place special,” he added.

‘Always giving my best’

While he didn’t name Garcia directly, Ter Stegen addressed the broader context of squad building.

“We always want to sign the best players. Whether it’s in goal or in any other position, that’s our objective. For me, it’s always the same that I want to give my best and be on the pitch.”

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is committed to the club. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Even with Barcelona pushing for a squad rejuvenation and Garcia considered a serious long-term option, Ter Stegen has no intention of stepping aside.

“I think I’ve done well in recent years, and I’ll keep working to be on the pitch. I’ll do everything I can to achieve that in the future as well,” he said.

“It’s a situation that has arisen now. But I have to say that this is common. Barcelona is probably one of the biggest clubs in the world, and there’s always competition, no matter the circumstances.

“That’s why it’s natural for Barcelona to always seek to develop and improve, and I’m clear about that. I will always try to give my best,” he noted.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, one key question was whether Ter Stegen would consider leaving Barça if he lost his starting spot. But the German was committed.

“In the end, it’s about competition. That’s how it has always been here. I’ve competed with great goalkeepers in the past, and I’ll keep doing the same,” he added.

Source: Mundo Deportivo