In 2015, goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen was a vital piece in the Barcelona title run, making great saves against the likes of Bayern Munich and Juventus. 10 years later, his situation at the club couldn’t be any more different. Barcelona have just signed his replacement in Joan Garcia, and Wojciech Szczęsny has also extended his stay with the club. 

He spent most of the 2024/2025 season injured, and when he came back, he received a few spot starts but didn’t impress; fans have been mounting pressure on the German goalkeeper.

Look, no matter how you see this situation, nobody is gaining much from it. Ter Stegen has told the media that he plans to stay with Barcelona next season, but if he doesn’t get playing time there, Germany might have to look at other goalkeeping options ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Barcelona also don’t benefit from having Ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, and Szczęsny on the roster at the same time when they need salary space to fill up other positions. 

This week, the Ter Stegen saga has reached an impasse, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Garcia is officially signing with Barcelona. Barcelona have to make a choice now. They’lll have to actively pursue a sale of Ter Stegen, or they’ll have to deal with three starting-caliber goalkeepers on the wage budget. 

In my opinion, I think Ter Stegen has overstayed his time at the club. He was amazing 10 years ago, but the team needs to move forward, and the only way to do that is by letting go of the past. Ter Stegen is also not the best fit for this system, as was shown by Flick opting for Neuer during his time with the national team rather than the Barcelona shotstopper. 

I hope Ter Stegen finds a club that can use his talents fully, but I am sure that Barcelona isn’t the place for him anymore.