Bang at FC Barcelona?: Flick apparently demotes ter Stegen to number three

The future of German national goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen at FC Barcelona has been a topic of discussion for some time. Now, the Catalans have apparently made a big splash. In a conversation with coach Hansi Flick, ter Stegen reportedly learned surprising plans.

Marc-André ter Stegen not only has to give up his position as the number one goalkeeper at FC Barcelona, but apparently also fears being the first choice if Joan Garcia gets injured. The 24-year-old is new to the Catalans. He was signed a few weeks ago from city rivals Espanyol as a planned starter.

So far, ter Stegen has remained calm in the face of the change of power in goal. He wanted to fight to keep his place, or even reclaim it if necessary. But the German national goalkeeper's situation apparently deteriorated drastically this Friday. In the long-awaited meeting with coach Hansi Flick, ter Stegen reportedly learned that he is now only planned as a number three. This is reported by the newspaper "Sport."

The new goalkeeping hierarchy hasn't been officially announced yet. However, between the new man and ter Stegen, veteran Wojciech Szczęsny is said to be standing. He was reactivated by the club last season and played a key role in the Catalans' successful season with his strong performances.

Powerful pressure with a view to the World Cup

For ter Stegen, the demotion would be unbearable. Especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA in mind. The 33-year-old finally wants to step out of the shadow of the eternal Manuel Neuer, who had blocked the DFB spot for an eternity, on the big stage. Without a regular starting place and without playing time, he would be unstoppable as Germany's number one. Especially since national coach Julian Nagelsmann has ambitious alternatives in Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim) and Alexander Nübel (VfB Stuttgart).

Ter Stegen's case has already escalated into a grueling and undignified spectacle in recent weeks. Sporting director Deco, among others, coldly showed him the door. There was no contract stating that he would play, he told the newspaper "La Vanguardia." Ter Stegen's already expressed desire to discuss his situation at Barça was rebuffed by Deco. "I don't need to talk to him. My job is to put together the best possible team for the coach."

With the now apparently completed demotion, Barça apparently wants to increase the pressure on the German goalkeeper to find a new club this summer. The situation within the German national team plays into Barça's hands. Ter Stegen is one of the top earners at the cash-strapped Catalans, who desperately need to save money, among other things, to sign potential new signings and register them with the league. Because this is not guaranteed to be possible given the ongoing precarious financial situation, the transfer of their desired player, Nico Williams, is said to have fallen through.

There is no shortage of top rumors

There's been no shortage of rumors about potential suitors for ter Stegen for weeks. Most recently, AS Monaco was mentioned. According to Mundo Deportivo, coach Adi Hütter's club has reportedly contacted ter Stegen's entourage to explore the possibility of a transfer. However, Ter Stegen has held off for the time being, as he wants to stay in Barcelona. That may now change.

In addition to Monaco, top clubs Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Galatasaray were also mentioned as potential new employers. The Mönchengladbach native has been playing for Barcelona since 2014. He missed a long period of last season due to a knee injury, but then returned to goal and recently impressed with the national team.