Barcelona star increasingly open to January exit

Barcelona are unlikely to make any signings during the winter transfer window, but there could be a departure or two. Among those that could leave is Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, who needs to play during the second half of the season if he is to ensure that he starts for Germany at next summer’s World Cup.

Prior to the start of the season, Ter Stegen was informed that he would not be counted on by head coach Hansi Flick, who has Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny as his goalkeepers for the 2025-26 campaign. Despite this, he chose not to leave, and in the end, he underwent surgery to address a problematic back issue.

Ter Stegen is now approaching full fitness, which means that his future will be back in the spotlight. He has attracted interest from a number of clubs, and although he has been keen to stay at Barcelona and fight for his place, he is slowly starting to realise that he will not be used by Flick.

As per Florian Plettenburg (via MD), Ter Stegen could leave Barcelona on loan during the winter transfer window, with this seen as a more viable option than a transfer. Furthermore, Sky Sport say that the Germany international is desperate to seal a move away at the earliest possible opportunity, as he seeks to seal a starting spot elsewhere.

It makes sense for Ter Stegen to leave Barcelona

Barcelona have made it clear that Garcia is their starting goalkeeper for the foreseeable future, with Szczesny as his backup. Ter Stegen may feel that he can retake his place upon returning from injury, but it would be very unlikely to happen, hence why an exit would make sense for all parties.

As January approaches, it would be no surprise to see the chances increase of a Ter Stegen exit, but for now, the matter continues to have much uncertainty.