ZEKEY MEDIA ONLINE

Melody Pande

Will Ter Stegen Leave Barcelona in the January Transfer Window?

Barcelona’s captain, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, has been sidelined for an extended period, leading the club to bring back veteran goalkeeper, Shzyzn, from retirement. With both Stegen and young keeper Inaki Pena injured, Shzyzn stepped up, and the club even invested €25 million to sign Joan Garcia from local rivals Espanyol last summer.
You might think Stegen would have made a move by now after losing No.1 spot, it was Pena who recently secured an extension on his contract until June 30, 2029, while heading out on loan to Elche. Stegen has made it clear that he would only consider leaving Barcelona in January if a suitable offer comes in from a club that matches his caliber in European football. Hansi Flick has stated that, following Stegen’s return from injury, Garcia will remain his top pick, which complicates Stegen’s situation further.
So, which clubs are interested in him? Reports suggest that Girona is keeping an eye on Ter Stegen, hoping to offer him a starting role in place of their current goalkeeper, Paulo Gazzaniga. Girona appears to be the frontrunner for a loan deal for the rest of the season, particularly since Barcelona is hesitant to continue covering his full salary.
Ter Stegen is eager for regular playing time, making a move to Girona attractive, despite his earlier dismissal of such an option. However, his hefty salary poses a challenge for Girona’s budget, which has dampened the chances of a January transfer for now.
Interest also exists from Premier League teams, especially Aston Villa. However, it seems Villa is content with their current goalkeepers, Emiliano Martinez and Marco Bizot, and won’t be pursuing Ter Stegen this January.
Stegen’s market value has dipped to around $9.3 million, a stark contrast to when he was hailed as one of the world’s best keepers. This drop is largely due to his recent injuries and a lack of consistent game time, making him a risky investment for any club.
With Joan Garcia’s arrival, Ter Stegen lost his starting position and has been advised that regular play is critical if he wants to remain Germany’s top choice for the 2026 World Cup. Reports however, state that he isn’t desperate to leave and is handling the situation with a level head. They assert he’s not fixated on the World Cup and is prioritizing stability and dignity, whether that means continuing with Barcelona or exploring other options.
As we approach the January transfer window, it seems unlikely that Stegen will make a permanent switch this January; a loan appears more feasible. Nevertheless, if any club is to consider him, Barcelona will need to shoulder a significant part of his salary. Ter Stegen joined Barcelona for €12 million back in 2014, so it’s understandable that he might hesitate to leave such a prestigious club.