Barcelona outcast prefers secondary role over loan exit amid Girona interest | OneFootball

Barcelona’s goalkeeping situation continues to generate intense debate, but a new report has shed light on where the club captain truly stands. 

According to a major revelation from SPORT, Marc-Andre ter Stegen would rather remain at Barcelona and compete than accept a loan move to Girona. 

The German goalkeeper’s preference is to stay at the club and feature in competitions such as the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, rather than seek minutes elsewhere.

The report explains that Ter Stegen has been working closely with the German Football Association, who have drawn up a personalised plan to make him Germany’s starting goalkeeper at the next World Cup. 

This strategy does not require a full-time starting role in La Liga or the Champions League, but rather a carefully managed season focused on rhythm, fitness, and high-level competitive matches.

So what now?

Within this framework, the idea is for Ter Stegen to remain at Barcelona and fight for his place, while taking on a leading role in domestic cup competitions. 

Nobtaly, his desire has not changed since the beginning of the season, as he cannot picture his future away from Barcelona.

Ter Stegen does not want to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The goalkeeper has been transparent with the club that he has a contract running until 2028 and is fully prepared to honour it. 

While a loan move to Girona was explored, the idea never fully convinced Ter Stegen. Beyond the financial aspect, the sporting side of the equation raised doubts. 

What has been discussed?

That plan has been discussed directly with key figures at the national team, such as sporting director Rudi Voller and national team coach Julian Nagelsmann. 

The roadmap is to stay at Barcelona, remain sharp, and play a defined number of competitive matches.

Ter Stegen’s belief is that starting in the Copa del Rey and the Super Cup, potentially accumulating up to eight games, combined with international fixtures and selected La Liga appearances at the end of the season, would be sufficient. 

Provided Barcelona have already secured their league objectives, those minutes could be enough for Germany to trust him as their number one.