Marc-André ter Stegen has reportedly accepted his fate and is prepared to part ways with Barcelona, bringing an end to a decade-long tenure at the club. The 'keeper is wanted by a number of clubs, with playing time a consideration ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Once the undisputed No.1 and even captain during a period, the German international has been informed that he is no longer part of the club’s long-term plans following the arrival of Joan García and the contract extension of veteran Wojciech Szczęsny, who is expected to serve as the primary back-up.
With his position now relegated to third-choice, ter Stegen has been excluded from full team training and has been working alone as the squad intensifies its pre-season preparations. A rumoured back issue is leaving many fans questioning the trust in that announcement, while his agent has been drumming up the interest for a possible departure.
It’s a stark fall from grace for a player who has been pivotal to Barça's success in recent years, but the club’s push for renewal and financial restructuring has forced tough decisions. A departure now looks inevitable, with both the player and the club wanting a respectful exit route as Barcelona refuse to force the player out.
Early summer reports suggested that Ter Stegen was initially unwilling to leave, instead hoping to stay and fight for his place in the starting XI. However, a major factor in his hesitation was alleged to be the substantial salary still owed to him, which complicated any potential exit. Despite that, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the German international is now prioritising regular first-team football over financial security or sentiment.
Galatasaray have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature, having been heavily linked throughout the summer with an offer that betters his current salary. Leaving on a free though becomes problematic given the club's financial situation. Meanwhile, both Inter Milan and Chelsea have maintained consistent interest in recent weeks, monitoring the situation closely.
A move now appears increasingly likely as Ter Stegen looks to reignite his international career and secure regular minutes ahead of Germany’s World Cup campaign. While his departure would mark the end of an era at Camp Nou, Barcelona fans will no doubt wish him the very best should he move on this summer.er.