Report: Marc-André ter Stegen could risk Germany spot, wants to stay at FC Barcelona

According to a report from Sport, Marc-André ter Stegen might want to stay at FC Barcelona, where his prospects of playing are limited. That would seemingly put his position with the German national team at risk:

There is no doubt about Marc-André Ter Stegen’s future with FC Barcelona. At least, from the German goalkeeper’s point of view. With a contract in force until 2028 after the renewal signed in August 2023, Barça’s still first captain maintains his position after recovering from surgery this summer to solve his recurring lumbar problems and challenging the club – which he lost – with the pace of his recovery.

The German wants to continue, even though Flick was clear in pointing out Joan Garcia as his number one, something that will not change unless there is a catastrophic decline in his performance, which is difficult to imagine given his current form. His confident statements, despite sparking debate about the German’s future with the transfer market just around the corner, do not alter MATS’ plans.

Ter Stegen wants to stay at Barça and fight for minutes. Despite his need to play quality games, as requested by the German Federation in order to have a chance of being the starting goalkeeper for his national team in the World Cup, the goalkeeper believes that the situation at Can Barça is not as closed as Flick’s words suggest.

This seems like a massive gamble for Ter Stegen, who many had penciled in to be the starting goalkeeper for Germany at the 2026 World Cup. It would seem impossible for that to happen if Ter Stegen does not play for his club:

According to sources close to the player, SPORT has learned that Ter Stegen has not given up on this season in terms of regaining his place in goal. Knowing full well that everything can change overnight, and obviously not wanting that to happen, he is aware that any physical problem such as the one suffered by Joan Garcia in September—which kept him out for a month and a half—could open the door for his return to the starting lineup ahead of Szczesny, provided that the decision is based on sporting considerations.

The fact is that if there is no sporting way for him to play a leading role and the club decides to force him out, the goalkeeper will listen to offers. However, he will not be proactive. He will not ask to leave or demand that the club find him a new destination. He will only consider options if they come his way and if the sporting project convinces him, even if the prospect of representing Germany as a starter in the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico becomes complicated. In this sense, he will not accept transfers to leagues that are not in line with his status or competitive level.

If Ter Stegen does not open himself up to a move, he might kiss his World Cup chances goodbye.

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