Al-Hilal are now interested in Barcelona captain whose future role remains highly uncertain | OneFootball

There are several significant changes expected in the goalkeeping position of FC Barcelona in this summer transfer window. The Blaugranes are reportedly getting closer to getting their desired reinforcement for this position, i.e., the Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, and his arrival would naturally lead to other changes in the squad.

The individual who would be most impacted by this move would undoubtedly be Marc-Andre ter Stegen. After his recovery from his knee injury at the end of the 2024-25 season, there were few doubts that he would return to being a starter for the Catalan club for the next season.

Ter Stegen facing an uncertain future at Barcelona

Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images

However, Garcia would arrive as a starter, and ter Stegen would have to look for another club if he wants to retain his position as the starting goalkeeper for the German national team in the upcoming World Cup.

Barcelona have not yet talked to their captain, and would do so only after Garcia is officially signed. Still, they would not force him to a departure, but would let him know that he would not get a lot of minutes next season.

Meanwhile, Barcelona understand that the best way forward for them is the departure of the German goalie, as it would help avoid internal conflicts in the dressing room and would also allow them to get a significant burden off their salary accounts.

Al-Hilal interested in the German goalkeeper

However, a move to a big European club does not look likely, as there are not many teams with their goalkeeping position vacant, and his high wages would make such a move even more difficult.

In such a context, SPORT reports that the Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal has rekindled its interest in Ter Stegen, as they want to replace Bono, and have also made inquiries about Ederson and Allison. They were already interested in the German star last year, but at that time, he did not even consider such a move.

Al-Hilan can make an economic effort that would satisfy all the involved parties. However, the goalkeeper would lose sportingly, as playing in Saudi Arabia would mean an end to his ambitions of playing in the German national team’s goal for the medium and long term.

But even with his future role highly uncertain at Barcelona, this is a price that Ter Stegen is not willing to pay for now.