Worry for Barcelona captain as Turkish giants start exploring alternative transfer targets | OneFootball

Barcelona captain Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is moving ever so close to his return after surgery, and the player is expected to return late next month, if not in early 2026.

His return to fitness, however, will likely not change anything in Hansi Flick’s pecking order, with the manager expected to persist with Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny as his preferred options in goal.

The  Catalans’ idea, for a long time, has been to allow the captain to leave in January and thus free up space on the wage bill.

While Ter Stegen initially resisted, it now appears that he has come to terms with the reality and understands that he needs regular minutes to make a case for the FIFA World Cup.

Distancing from a big hope

In recent weeks, Besiktas emerged as a serious candidate to sign the Barcelona veteran, given their need for a new high-level goalkeeper to salvage their season.

According to SPORT in a recent report, however, the situation is now changing.

Besiktas have shown an interest in Ter Stegen. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Besiktas have other priorities for the upcoming winter transfer window and are eyeing the signing of Niclas Fullkrug as a new striker.

A goalkeeper is also on the agenda, but it remains unclear if it is in their best interest to sign a player on hefty wages on a short-term loan.

In recent days, Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega has thus emerged as a serious target for the Turkish club, thus moving Ter Stegen away from a potential loan move.

After all, Ortega’s contract ends this summer, and Besiktas can thus sign him on a permanent transfer for a bargain fee.

As it stands, all hope is not lost in the potential Ter Stegen to Besiktas move, but the prospects do not look very bright.

Finding another suitor who needs a high-quality goalkeeper immediately, thus, will be a priority for Barcelona.