Barcelona Captain Ter Stegen Refuses Exit Amid Goalkeeper Recruitment

Barcelona captain and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is embroiled in a tense standoff with the club, refusing to leave despite being deemed surplus to requirements. The club is preparing to sign Espanyol's Joan Garcia as the new starting goalkeeper, with Wojciech Szczęsny likely to remain as backup, effectively pushing Ter Stegen to a backup role or off the team. Ter Stegen, under contract until 2028, feels deeply hurt and betrayed by what he perceives as a coordinated effort from the club, including leaks of private dressing room matters intended to pressure him into leaving quietly. Barcelona is reportedly willing to negotiate a soft exit by paying him a year's salary, but Ter Stegen is determined to fight for his place, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. The goalkeeper suspects sporting director Deco and coach Hansi Flick are behind the decision, and he is ready to go to war with the club over his future, rejecting the notion that this is a sporting issue and viewing it as a personal attack. This conflict is expected to create significant challenges for Barcelona as they prepare for the upcoming season.