Barcelona will not pressure out-of-favour veteran into exit; contract termination ruled out | OneFootball

A fresh update from SPORT has clarified Barcelona’s position regarding Marc-André ter Stegen, in what has become one of the club’s most sensitive internal situations. 

While Barcelona acknowledge that a separation could be beneficial from a sporting and financial perspective, the club has no intention of forcing their long-serving goalkeeper out.

Ter Stegen, for his part, is standing firm. The German international is determined to defend his contract, which runs until 2028, and is fully aware that he holds the stronger legal position. 

Despite his reduced role this season and the shift in the goalkeeping hierarchy, he has not shown any willingness to step aside under pressure.

So what now?

It is said that not even influence from the German Football Association, which would prefer him to play regularly ahead of the World Cup, has altered his stance. 

At present, his exit is only considered realistic if a major European club comes forward with a clear offer to make him their undisputed number one. So far, that scenario has not materialised.

Barcelona’s approach has been deliberately calm. The club insist they will not apply pressure and have made their position clear to the player. 

Ter Stegen does not want to leave yet. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Ter Stegen understands his current role within the squad, and from there, the decision rests entirely with him. 

Inside the club, his leadership, professionalism, and long-standing service are still respected. 

Any concrete steps towards a departure will only be taken if Ter Stegen himself requests it, whether through a transfer or a loan move.

No drastic measures

There is also the option of terminating the contract, but this is not viewed as realistic. 

Ter Stegen has no intention of walking away from the salary he has contractually earned, making that route highly unlikely.

Looking ahead, the picture changes. Internally, there is an expectation that Ter Stegen’s chapter at Barcelona will come to an end in the summer. 

At that point, negotiations will be unavoidable, and both sides will need to find a solution that respects the contract while allowing the club to move forward.