Marc-Andre ter Stegen is already in the final stretch of his recovery at Barcelona and is expected to receive the medical green light soon.
The German international has been out from the beginning of the season when he underwent surgery to address his back pain, and while tensions were high between him and the club back then, matters have settled now.
Ter Stegen’s return is not expected to shake up Hansi Flick’s goalkeeping hierarchy in any capacity, for the manager fully trusts Joan Garcia as his number one option.
The German’s recovery, needless to say, thus sparks talk of a possible transfer in January.
Ball in his park
As relayed in a recent report by MARCA, Barcelona completely respect Ter Stegen’s contract and will not do anything to push him out of the club, despite how it will help them financially.
Barcelona are aware that the 33-year-old club captain needs minutes to stay relevant ahead of the FIFA World Cup, and that he will thus communicate the same to the club if he sees a departure to be his best option.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen of FC Barcelona
Ter Stegen’s future in his own hands. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The Catalans will wait for Ter Stegen to make the first move in initiating his departure, and support him completely should he do so. They will, however, not initiate things from their end.
Should the goalkeeper decide to leave the club, he will look for a top-tier team that is in urgent need of an upgrade in the position mid-season – something that is not easy to come by. His high wages, moreover, complicate matters further.
As it stands, Barcelona will respect Ter Stegen’s contract, which is in place until June 2028, and all eyes remain on the player who has the ball in his court.
Meanwhile, the club will hope for him to return to his 100% at the earliest and even return to the squad.