Barcelona set for war: Marc-Andre ter Stegen left 'absolutely outraged' by club's pursuit of Joan Garcia and determined to stay with Hansi Flick's side

Ter Stegen has been angered by Barcelona's plans to sign a new goalkeeper and drop him to third in the pecking order next season, according to SPORT. Joan Garcia is expected to arrive imminently from Espanyol but the Germany international is apparently ready to "go to war" to ensure he isn't forced out of the club. Ter Stegen's relationship with manager Hansi Flick has reportedly deteriorated in recent months due to his compatriot's decision to back Wojciech Szczesny rather than facilitate a swift return from injury for the former Borussia Monchengladbach stopper.

Ter Stegen ruptured his patellar tendon last August, prompting Barcelona to coax Szczesny out of retirement. The veteran then went on to become first choice after some shaky performances from back-up Inaki Pena. The 35-year-old is expected to sign an extension soon, which would leave Ter Stegen way down the pecking order.

SPORT add Ter Stegen is "deeply hurt" and "absolutely outraged" by Barcelona's decision, calling it a "direct attack" against his "professional character". It will be left to sporting director Deco to explain the situation to Ter Stegen, who ended the campaign having made just nine appearances for Barcelona during the 2024-25 season.

Ter Stegen remains Germany's first choice goalkeeper and will be in action on Sunday when Julian Nagelsmann's side face France in the Nations League third-place play-off. Once international duty is over, his transfer saga will continue.