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Marc-Andre ter Stegen left angry by Barcelona's €25m transfer for Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny contract renewal as he plots showdown talks with Hansi Flick

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  • Barcelona shoring up the goalkeeping department
  • Ter Stegen might lose his No.1 spot
  • German keeper wants clarity on his role
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Garcia, the promising 24-year-old Espanyol shot-stopper, is expected to join the Catalan giants imminently. Though the transfer has not yet been formally announced, the club is preparing to activate the €25 million (£21m/$28m) release clause that will bring Garcia to Camp Nou for the next five years. In addition to the expected arrival of Garcia, Barcelona have also moved to extend the contract of Szczesny. Now, the repercussions are being felt by Ter Stegen.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    According to Sport,Ter Stegen has not been informed of any plans that would see him demoted or moved on. Nevertheless, there is a growing sense of betrayal and frustration at the silence from the club's hierarchy. Sources close to the goalkeeper have described the situation as a "campaign" aimed at marginalising him without direct communication. Despite remaining calm publicly and focusing on international duty with Germany, the veteran keeper is reportedly determined to demand clarity.

  • WHAT TER STEGEN SAID

    Before facing Portugal in the Nations League, Ter Stegen brushed aside all reports of discontent and told ZDF: "No one has told me about this, but I'm not worried. I know I'm going to be in Barcelona next year."

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Once his national team obligations are concluded, he is expected to seek direct talks with Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and the club's sporting director, Deco. Flick was in attendance during Germany's match in Munich and is likely to be the first person Ter Stegen addresses in his bid to understand his role at the club.

  • TELL ME MORE

    Publicly, Barcelona continue to maintain that no decision has been made about forcing Ter Stegen out. Internally, however, a different narrative is emerging. With Garcia lined up to take the starting role next season, the club reportedly believes it would be most beneficial, financially and strategically, for Ter Stegen to move on. The German is on one of the highest salaries at the club and removing them from the books would provide Barcelona with greater flexibility amid ongoing financial constraints.

  • Germany v Portugal - UEFA Nations League 2025 Semi-finalGetty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT?

    At 32 and with a World Cup on the horizon next summer, Ter Stegen is acutely aware of the need to play regularly to retain his place in the national team. Although he has declared his intention to remain at Camp Nou for now, his stance could shift quickly if he sees his minutes drastically reduced.