After enjoying a decade of stability, the goalkeeping position at FC Barcelona is set to undergo a generational change in this summer transfer window. The Blaugranes are set to sign the RCD Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, and are likely to pay his release clause in the next few days.
However, his arrival would significantly impact the role and status of the goalkeepers already present in the Blaugrana squad, and the German shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen would be the one player who would bear the greatest brunt of Garcia’s arrival, as the Spaniard would be the preferred starter for Hansi Flick and ter Stegen would lost his number 1 status.
Ter Stegen can end up at Manchester City
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 23: Marc Andre Ter Stegen of FC Barcelona looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munchen at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 23, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
In such a context, the German goalie has been linked with a move away from Barcelona, and Fichajes notes that the Premier League side Manchester City could end up being his next destination.
The future of the Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson is also quite uncertain at City. After having been an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s winning team, he is looking to embark on another adventure, likely to Saudi Arabia, with only one year left on his contract.
Pep Guardiola values the German highly
Thus, the Citizens can opt for ter Stegen as Ederson’s replacement, and this would not really be a surprise, keeping in view the attributes that Guardiola values in his goalkeepers, i.e., security between the sticks, ability to start plays from the back, and leadership.
If this move actually takes place, this would shed a lot of weight from the Blaugrana wage bill, while Manchester City will get a proven and experienced goalkeeper to return as one of the best teams in Europe next season.
However, it remains to be seen how this operation would develop, and ter Stegen’s personal decision and negotiations with the involved clubs would be key determinants of its success.