What share of Ter Stegen’s salary Girona are willing to cover with January loan move eyed | OneFootball

With the winter transfer window set to open this week, it remains to be seen whether FC Barcelona can make any signings to strengthen their defence.

However, at present, the most realistic movements appear to be departures. In that context, the door could open for Marc-Andre ter Stegen to secure an exit in January.

Barça have made it clear that Joan Garcia is their preferred choice in goal, and as such, their captain, who only recently came back after four months out due to back surgery, has a decision to make.

Girona, for one, have emerged as a suitor for the 33-year-old German international, and are willing to push for a loan move. The player’s high salary, though, could be an issue for the Catalan club.

Girona can cover up to €1 million

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Girona would only be able to assume around €1 million of Ter Stegen’s salary in case of a January move on loan.

However, that is not seen as an issue by Barcelona, who are willing to make things easier for him this January by allowing a loan move, even if that means covering a significant portion of his wages.

Will Ter Stegen consider Girona loan move? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Indeed, Barça would not be opposed to Ter Stegen joining Girona despite having to cover a major portion of his salary.

The thought process behind this is that it would allow the goalkeeper to return to regular action and place himself back in the shop window, particularly in a World Cup year, before making a definitive decision on his future next summer.

Decision up to Ter Stegen

Given this scenario, the decision now rests with Ter Stegen. He must choose whether to look for a team where he can play regularly in order to be in contention for the World Cup or to remain at Barcelona with a secondary role.

Both the German national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann, and the sporting director of the German Football Association, Rudi Voller, have already warned him that, if he wants to be part of the tournament, he needs to be playing consistently at club level.

With Girona presenting themselves as a realistic option, it remains to be seen if Ter Stegen considers the possibility.