Even to secure a spot in next year’s World Cup German squad, it now seems the goalkeeper will have to leave Barcelona.
A combination of injury setbacks, a dip in form, and recent tensions with the club has seen Marc-André ter Stegen step down from his role as Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper. Coach Hansie Flick has made it clear that his preferred option is now Iñaki Peña, a point he has reiterated. The German coach also stated that ter Stegen must decide his own future.
Ter Stegen managed just nine appearances last season due to a knee injury. And after undergoing surgery to recover from a back problem, he has yet to feature this season.
The surgery itself caused friction with the club at the start of the campaign. Initially, the 33-year-old refused to submit his medical reports to La Liga, angering club officials. His captaincy was stripped. However, after changing his mind, he regained the armband the very next day.
The core issue, however, remains. Ter Stegen was declared fully fit earlier this month, but he has spent the last two matches on the bench, with Peña naturally taking over in goal.
The World Cup is set for June and July next year. To be part of the German squad, regular game time is essential for ter Stegen. Yet that now seems impossible at Barcelona.
Ahead of the last La Liga match against Osasuna, Flick emphasized he would pick Peña if he is fit. The same point was reiterated on Monday, a day before the Copa del Rey Round of 32 clash against third-tier side Guadalajara.
When asked whether ter Stegen might leave the club in January, Flick said, “That is his decision.”
“We’ve discussed his situation here, and I have a lot of respect for Marc because he is a fantastic goalkeeper. He has been a great player for us and a really good person as well. But in the end, it is his decision, and he has to make it.”
Since joining Barcelona from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014, ter Stegen has played 422 matches for the club, winning 17 trophies, including six La Liga titles and one Champions League.
But now, those achievements seem to hold little weight. Even against lower-tier Guadalajara, Peña could be given a rest. Yet there is no guarantee ter Stegen will get a chance to play in that match.
