Significant movement has begun around FC Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the winter transfer window approaches.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper, currently recovering from an injury, is no longer the first-choice starter at the club, with Joan Garcia claiming that spot, while Wojciech Szczesny is now the backup to the summer signing.
Given Ter Stegen’s aspirations of being Germany’s No. 1 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he will need to play regularly, leading to talks of a January exit.
Besiktas come up with opening offer
Now, according to Fanatik (h/t SPORT), Besiktas consider Ter Stegen their main target to address the team’s sporting crisis.
They require a new goalkeeper due to the poor performance of veteran Mert Gunok, and the Turkish club view the German as the most reliable option both now and in the future.
To that end, Besiktas have submitted a loan proposal that includes full coverage of the goalkeeper’s salary and a non-mandatory purchase option of around €8 million in June.
Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen with manager Hansi Flick
Ter Stegen is on Besiktas’ radars. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Now, the club board is said to be in constant contact with Barcelona and the goalkeeper’s camp in order to move the matter forward.
Much of the current interest comes from Besiktas sporting director Eduard Graf, a German who spent a large part of his professional career at Borussia Dortmund.
The club hope that Graf’s involvement will help convince Ter Stegen and his representatives that Besiktas would offer him regular playing time and an important role in both domestic competition and the Europa League.
No decision yet
Ter Stegen has not made any move yet. His immediate aim is to return fully to first-team training and receive medical clearance, something expected around mid-December. His priority has been recovery, and once that is complete, he will consider his future.
Barcelona are willing to let him leave in January if he wishes to do so, but no progress has been made, as the club expect more offers to arrive in the coming weeks.
The Blaugrana are waiting for a step from Ter Stegen before opening the door, something that has not yet happened despite the offers on the table.