FC Barcelona had a major controversy to handle in the summer when Marc-Andre Ter Stegen took matters into his own hands and set out a self-diagnosed recovery period to prevent the club from using his injury to register Joan Garcia.
What followed was an ugly saga that saw the club strip the German of the armband, only for it to be reinstated after a public apology. The three months Ter Stegen mentioned have since come and gone, and there is no sign of him being close to returning.
Yesterday, Turkish outlet Fanatik reported that Beşiktaş have approached FC Barcelona over the possibility of taking Marc-Andre Ter Stegen on loan. According to the report, the Turkish club would cover the German goalkeeper’s wages and include an option to make the move permanent for €8 million at the end of the season.
Despite these claims, Roger Torelló of Mundo Deportivo has confirmed that Barcelona have received no formal offer for their out-of-favor goalkeeper.
Ter Stegen remains focused on fully recovering from back surgery in July and is determined to complete his rehabilitation before considering a potential move during the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, Ter Stegen’s agents have already begun discussions in line with his wishes. The goalkeeper is eager to play in the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has indicated that Ter Stegen will only start for the national team if he is playing regularly at a club, adding urgency to defining his future.
Joan Garcia’s arrival has effectively ensured Ter Stegen is unlikely to get a look-in near the starting XI as a Barcelona player going forward. The best decision for all parties would be to reach an amicable solution by January, and we will have to wait and see how things play out.