Aston Villa Have Joined The Race For FC Barcelona Outcast: Will He Be A Good Signing For The Lions? | OneFootball

Fresh updates from Mundo Deportivo, via Sport Witness, hint at a major shakeup for Premier League goalkeepers. Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are now squaring up for a big transfer scrap. The German keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen stands at a crossroads in Catalonia.

This change comes mostly because he lost the guaranteed starting spot he held for over ten years. The 33-year-old first landed at the Nou Camp from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014 for about €12 million.

Aston Villa and Marc-Andre ter Stegen links

Since that move, the veteran has served as a key pillar during their trophy-filled years. Even so, the German international’s form has dropped lately, just as Joan Garcia has begun to shine. It leaves the 33-year-old on the fringes of the squad.

He fought against leaving last summer to have a necessary surgery, but he now deals with a tough situation. Ter Stegen mostly plays in less important tournaments like the Copa del Rey. Because of this, Unai Emery looks ready to pounce on the opening.

Aston Villa apparently reached out to Barcelona to check on the player’s fitness and what he might cost. While Emiliano Martinez remains a hero in Birmingham, constant rumours linking him to Manchester United and Saudi Arabian teams force Villa bosses to look for backup plans. At the same time, Tottenham keep a close eye on things. They still have some worries about Guglielmo Vicario and whether he can stay consistent in North London for the long haul.

VILLARREAL, SPAIN – DECEMBER 21: Marc-Andre ter Stegen of FC Barcelona warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica on December 21, 2025 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

With a contract running until 2028, any move this winter would probably be a loan. This setup would include a clause to buy him later. It will help Barcelona lower their massive wage costs. On top of that, the chance to play in England gives the keeper one last shot.

He needs to play every week to keep his place for the 2026 World Cup. Both English sides see a chance to grab a proven winner. They know they can get a player of his class for a much lower price than usual.

Does Unai Emery Need the German Veteran?

If Aston Villa bring in Marc-Andre ter Stegen, it would give Aston Villa a keeper who is great with his feet. However, signing him only makes sense if Emiliano Martinez actually leaves. While the German passes the ball better than almost anyone, his recent injuries suggest he might have a hard time.

The 33-year-old could find the rough-and-tumble style of English crosses and corners difficult to handle. He would be a top-tier addition, but he remains a luxury Villa doesn’t need as long as Martinez is still the number one.