According to a report from AS, Barcelona head coach Flick and the shot stopper are set to hold a face-to-face meeting before the club's pre-season starts on July 13. The meeting seeks to clarify Ter Stegen's position amid growing tensions after Joan Garcia's arrival from Espanyol.
Ter Stegen, currently on holiday in Greece, has publicly expressed his intention to stay at Barcelona, but the club’s long-term commitment to Garcia, who has signed until 2031 – puts the German's status as first-choice goalkeeper in doubt.
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Ter Stegen, who has a contract with Barca until 2028, defferred large portions of his wages in his last renewal. The club are now open to letting him go without a transfer fee, providing he forgives a portion of his pending pay. The 33-year-old is reportedly outraged over the arrival of Joan Garcia, but sporting director Deco recently insisted he does not need to explain the decision with the German, leaving it up to the coach to handle instead.
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Joan Garcia, 24 has been signed as Barcelona's long-term option in goal. His contract runs until 2031, signalling a major shift in the team's goalkeeping department despite the German being a mainstay since 2014 and 422 appearances for the club so far.
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A final decision on Ter Stegen's future will hinge on the outcome of his meeting with Flick. It is still not clear if Ter Stegen will go on the pre-season tour. The club also want to finalise a new deal for Wojciech Szczesny, who would offer experienced cover.