Marc-Andre ter Stegen to stay? Barcelona's sporting director breaks silence on captain's future amid exit rumours and drops hint over potential successor

Barcelona sporting director Deco has finally addressed growing speculation surrounding Ter Stegen’s future at the club, amid swirling rumours of a potential summer exit. Speaking publicly for the first time on the matter, he hinted that while the club remains committed to their captain, his team is collectively working on gathering information with the scouting of up-and-coming goalkeepers such as Espanyol's Joan Garcia.

Earlier this month, Spanish publication AS reported that Barcelona were planning to make a summer swoop for the highly-talented Garcia, despite having both Ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczesny in their ranks. The German international has a contract until June 2028, but question marks over his form have been raised in recent years. Szczesny, who signed a season-long deal back in October, is also yet to renew after Barca reportedly tabled a new two-year deal for the veteran.

Considering that both goalkeepers are on the wrong side of their 30s, Garcia represents a bargain opportunity that the Catalans simply cannot afford to let go of. The young Spaniard has been arguably the best goalkeeper in the league this season, and could be available for as low as €15 million should Espanyol face relegation.

Speaking to RAC1 (h/t @ReshadRahman), Deco said: “The idea is for Ter Stegen and Tek to continue. It’s true, if you think about next year or two, we would have to look for another keeper. We have talented keepers at La Masia too, we could give them chances.

"Joan García? I look very little at goalkeepers. I can give my opinion on players, but I have very little idea about goalkeepers. We are working to have information on the scouting of the best players, and Joan García is a good goalkeeper"

Having already won the league, Hansi Flick's men will play their final game of the season this weekend, when they visit San Mames to take on fourth-placed Athletic Club.