Marc-Andre ter Stegen of FC Barcelona
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
The loan move of Marc-Andre ter Stegen to Girona is certainly a decisive step, both professionally and personally.
After a long period on the sidelines and away from regular first-team football, the switch offers Ter Stegen something he has badly lacked in recent years – continuity, confidence, and a genuine chance to relaunch his career at the highest level.
From a sporting perspective, the motivation behind the move is clear that Ter Stegen is desperate to return to a consistent run of matches in order to strengthen his case ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
At this stage of his career, minutes matter more than reputation, and Girona are prepared to offer him a platform to prove that he can still perform week in, week out.
The decision did not come lightly. After several weeks analysing his options, Ter Stegen concluded that remaining in his current situation at Barcelona was no longer sustainable.
Unfortunately for the German, recent seasons have been defined more by misfortune than form.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona player
Ter Stegen will look to relaunch his career. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Luck and physical limitations have repeatedly worked against him, preventing any real rhythm from developing.
The numbers surrounding his injury record show just how damaging this period has been.
Over the last two years alone, Ter Stegen has spent 439 days sidelined, missing 92 matches combined for Barcelona and the German national team.
That lack of regular football has inevitably had consequences. Without continuity, his performances gradually declined.
The situation also led to growing tension between the player and the club. While there have been disagreements on both sides, the conclusion was unavoidable that a clean break, even temporarily, was necessary.
Now, at Girona, Ter Stegen is focused on a fresh start. The objective is to stay fit, play regularly, and rediscover the level that once placed him among the world’s best goalkeepers.