Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen heads to Girona on loan

The 33-year-old has slipped down the pecking order at Camp Nou following the arrival of Joan Garcia from Espanyol and the continued presence of Wojciech Szczesny, who returned from retirement after Ter Stegen suffered a serious knee injury last season. A ruptured patellar tendon in September 2024 sidelined him for much of the campaign, and further setbacks have limited him to just one appearance this season, a Copa del Rey win over Guadalajara in December.

Barcelona were open to Ter Stegen's departure as they reshaped their squad, with Garcia establishing himself as first choice after keeping nine clean sheets in 20 appearances. With Germany's goalkeeping picture still unsettled ahead of the 2026 World Cup, regular football has become a priority for Ter Stegen, who was overlooked during World Cup qualifying despite featuring in last summer's Nations League finals.

"This morning, Marc told us that he was going to Girona," Flick said ahead of Barcelona's Champions League trip to Slavia Prague. "He's a fantastic goalkeeper, but we've decided on a different future for the club. I wish him all the best - he has a good chance of reaching the World Cup."

Ter Stegen departs after nearly 12 years at Barcelona, having joined from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014 and won six LaLiga titles, the Champions League and multiple domestic honours. His spell included standout seasons, particularly under Xavi Hernandez, but was also disrupted by injuries and mixed European performances.

Following confirmation of the loan, Ter Stegen posted an emotional farewell message on social media, thanking the club, his teammates and supporters, and describing Barcelona as his home. He said he was looking forward to the next chapter of his career in Catalunya.

While Ter Stegen prepares for life at Girona, Barcelona turn their attention back to the Champions League. Flick's side travel to Prague sitting 15th in the league-phase standings and knowing victory is crucial to keep alive their hopes of finishing in the top eight. They will be without suspended winger Lamine Yamal, though Flick stressed the importance of collective strength as his young squad continues to develop.

The 33-year-old has slipped down the pecking order at Camp Nou following the arrival of Joan Garcia from Espanyol and the continued presence of Wojciech Szczesny, who returned from retirement after Ter Stegen suffered a serious knee injury last season. A ruptured patellar tendon in September 2024 sidelined him for much of the campaign, and further setbacks have limited him to just one appearance this season, a Copa del Rey win over Guadalajara in December.

Barcelona were open to Ter Stegen's departure as they reshaped their squad, with Garcia establishing himself as first choice after keeping nine clean sheets in 20 appearances. With Germany's goalkeeping picture still unsettled ahead of the 2026 World Cup, regular football has become a priority for Ter Stegen, who was overlooked during World Cup qualifying despite featuring in last summer's Nations League finals.

"This morning, Marc told us that he was going to Girona," Flick said ahead of Barcelona's Champions League trip to Slavia Prague. "He's a fantastic goalkeeper, but we've decided on a different future for the club. I wish him all the best - he has a good chance of reaching the World Cup."

Ter Stegen departs after nearly 12 years at Barcelona, having joined from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014 and won six LaLiga titles, the Champions League and multiple domestic honours. His spell included standout seasons, particularly under Xavi Hernandez, but was also disrupted by injuries and mixed European performances.

Following confirmation of the loan, Ter Stegen posted an emotional farewell message on social media, thanking the club, his teammates and supporters, and describing Barcelona as his home. He said he was looking forward to the next chapter of his career in Catalunya.

While Ter Stegen prepares for life at Girona, Barcelona turn their attention back to the Champions League. Flick's side travel to Prague sitting 15th in the league-phase standings and knowing victory is crucial to keep alive their hopes of finishing in the top eight. They will be without suspended winger Lamine Yamal, though Flick stressed the importance of collective strength as his young squad continues to develop.

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