It’s the time of year when Barcelona are linked with a wide range of names, and like signings, there’s also plenty of speculation about sales. With the Catalan side hoping to make significant investments in the back nine and in central defence, it could pave the way for more moves in recent years.
One of the names that Barcelona will try to keep this summer is Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The 33-year-old captain is currently on loan at Girona, and has missed most of the season through injury. He is expected to return in May, he left on loan hoping to get minutes to make his case to be number 1 in Germany at the World Cup.
Nagelsmann admits that ter Stegen is unlikely to be at the World Cup
Speaking at the beginning of the week before Germany’s second friendly match with Ghana (2-1), manager Julian Nagelsmann admitted that ter Stegen has little chance of going to the USA, Canada and Mexico.
“We spoke briefly the day before yesterday. He is always there when needed and when he contributes. He does not only look after himself, but also considers the team. Out of respect for him, I will not close the door for him to go to the World Cup, but the chances are very small; he has been there for a year. He needs to speed up his rehabilitation, not just take him for a long time. 21 again,” he told Marca.
It seems that Nagelsmann has for all intents and purposes appeared in his place.
“Oliver Baumann is the starter and Alexander Nubel is the backup. Alex fulfills this role very well, as you would expect from a very good backup. Alex is doing a great job and in many countries he will be the starter. We have no problem in goal.”
Barcelona are hoping to move on from ter Stegen this summer
Meanwhile his partial recovery could mean his future in Spanish football. Sport say Barcelona hope he can play again before the end of the season, which could help them land him in the summer window. If it is said that he is going to the World Cup, the Blaugrana would be very happy.
Last summer Barcelona opened the door to ter Stegen following the signing of Joan Garcia, but they were careful not to force the issue. The idea is to move ter Stegen if possible, and the club have already been linked with Real Sociedad’s Alex Remiro to come in as Garcia’s back-up. There are also doubts about the continuation of Wojciech Szczesny.
🚨 Frenkie de Jong remains a major doubt for Saturday’s match against Atlético Madrid after training individually today. His availability for tomorrow’s session is also unclear, as he is now focused on his return to the Champions League. [@monfortcarlos, @didacpeyret]… pic.twitter.com/oLsH1IMGR5
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) April 2, 2026
Ter Stegen is one of the highest paid players in the Barcelona team, and he has two years left on his contract. Given his age, injury record and salary, it would be difficult to find a club willing to sign him, and with his children based in the Catalan capital, he has another incentive to see his deal through at the club.
