Barcelona Captain Could Leave in January If Premier League Offer Arrives
Bornheimer – Marc-André ter Stegen has returned to the spotlight following his recovery from a back injury. The Barcelona goalkeeper has received full medical clearance and has been included in the squad for three consecutive matches. His return marks an important step after weeks on the sidelines, although it does not automatically guarantee a starting role in the immediate future.
Possible Copa del Rey Appearance Under Consideration
Ter Stegen is in contention to feature in Barcelona’s upcoming Copa del Rey clash against Guadalajara. However, the final decision will rest with head coach Hansi Flick and the club’s technical staff, who will assess the tactical needs of the match. His potential involvement would mark his first competitive appearance since returning to fitness.
Drop to Third-Choice Goalkeeper Raises Questions
Despite being club captain, Ter Stegen currently finds himself as Barcelona’s third-choice goalkeeper. He sits behind Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny in the pecking order, a situation that has inevitably sparked speculation about his long-term future at the club. This unexpected demotion represents a significant shift for a player who has been a defensive pillar for years.
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Commitment to Barcelona Despite Reduced Status
For now, Ter Stegen remains committed to Barcelona. The German international still has two and a half years remaining on his contract and hopes to regain regular playing time. Internally, he believes that circumstances can change over the course of the season, particularly if opportunities arise through rotation or competition demands.
Tottenham Monitoring the Situation Closely
According to SPORT, Ter Stegen’s situation could take a turn if Tottenham Hotspur submit a formal offer. The Premier League side is reportedly evaluating goalkeeper reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window. Spurs see Ter Stegen as a high-profile option capable of bringing experience and stability to their squad.
Concerns Over Vicario Open the Door
Tottenham’s interest is partly driven by recent criticism of Guglielmo Vicario’s performances. The club is considering alternatives, and Ter Stegen’s profile fits their requirements. A loan move with an option to buy, combined with full salary coverage, is seen as a potentially attractive proposal for both player and club.
Barcelona Will Not Force a Decision
If a suitable offer arrives, Ter Stegen may be open to considering a move. Barcelona, however, are expected to adopt a cautious stance. The club will monitor developments but has no intention of forcing the captain out, especially given his experience and leadership value within the dressing room.
Other Clubs Show Interest but Fall Short
Beyond Tottenham, clubs such as Beşiktaş, Bologna, and Ajax have made preliminary enquiries. However, their proposals reportedly fail to match Ter Stegen’s sporting ambitions and financial expectations. As a result, these options have not progressed beyond initial discussions.
Manchester United Links Remain Distant
Manchester United have also been mentioned as a potential destination after making informal contact through intermediaries. Nevertheless, no concrete steps have followed, and the likelihood of a deal materialising remains low at this stage.
Ter Stegen Remains Patient Ahead of January
Despite growing speculation, Ter Stegen remains optimistic about his prospects at Barcelona. He believes opportunities could still emerge and, for now, is not actively pushing for a January exit. Whether that stance changes may ultimately depend on developments in the Premier League and Barcelona’s internal decisions in the coming weeks.
