National team coach speaks out on Barcelona captain’s future – ‘Read he was a candidate for sale…’ | OneFootball

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is going through an important and tough phase at Barcelona.

Despite recently returning from a long injury battle, the goalkeeper has faced the ire of fans, who have started a campaign to try and convince Barcelona to sell him this summer.

Many believe Ter Stegen has become a liability to the team, and it is high time there is a change of guard in goal at the club.

The Blaugrana, for their part, are reportedly open to selling him this summer as long as they get their hands on top goalkeeping target, Joan Garcia.

Nagelsmann on ter Stegen’s role and future at Barcelona

In the midst of such uncertainty around Ter Stegen’s future, his German national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann, has shared his thoughts.

In a recent press conference, the national team coach notably reiterated the fact that Ter Stegen is being considered Germany’s No. 1 choice in between the sticks.

“Ter Stegen will be No. 1. I’m confident he’ll have two great games. He’s training well, even though he hasn’t played much recently,” he said (h/t SPORT).

What does the future hold for Ter Stegen this summer? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Nagelsmann was also asked about Ter Stegen’s uncertain future at Barcelona. Although the German tactician chose not to comment, he did acknowledge the speculation linking him with a move away from Catalonia.

“I spoke with Hansi Flick, but it certainly wasn’t about Barcelona’s transfer plans. I read he was a potential candidate for sale, but that’s not my job,” he said.

Nagelsmann’s admission of Ter Stegen’s uncertain future at Barcelona could be another indicator that the Catalans are indeed serious about offloading the former Gladbach star this summer.

The German international is already one of Barcelona’s top earners and his potential exit, therefore, could pave the way for the club to free up a significant space in the wage bill.

This, in turn, may allow Barcelona to bring in new players in the market, including Espanyol star Joan Garcia, even though the Spaniard has also been linked with a move to England.