Image source: worldsoccertalk.com
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is close to joining Girona on loan until the end of the season, with advanced talks between all parties aimed at securing the German international regular playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup after falling down the pecking order at Camp Nou.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen Nears Season-Long Loan Move to Girona From Barcelona
The 33-year-old German captain has found himself third choice at Barcelona under Hansi Flick, with summer signing Joan Garcia established as first choice and Wojciech Szczesny ahead in the rotation. Ter Stegen’s only appearance came in the Copa del Rey against Guadalajara before being benched for the subsequent round, highlighting his diminished status despite holding the captain’s armband.
According to Cadena SER and ESPN, Barcelona, ter Stegen and Girona have reached advanced stages of agreement over a straight loan deal. The primary obstacle has been financial, with ter Stegen’s salary among the highest at Camp Nou and far beyond Girona’s budget. Reports indicate Girona will pay under 1.1 million dollars of his wages while Barcelona covers close to 90 percent of his salary.
German sporting director Rudi Voller has been explicit about ter Stegen’s need for regular football, telling Mundo Deportivo that the goalkeeper must play to maintain his international prospects. “Ter Stegen has to play. Especially after his injury, and also considering his history of injuries, he needs match rhythm to get back up to speed. No matter the quality he has,” Voller stated.
The move to Girona offers ter Stegen immediate access to regular La Liga minutes while allowing him to remain close to Barcelona to maintain daily contact with his children. For Girona, securing a Champions League-winning goalkeeper represents a significant coup, while Barcelona can complete their goalkeeping transition with Garcia and Szczesny as their primary options.
The loan arrangement prioritises sporting resolution over financial return for Barcelona, with the club acknowledging that ter Stegen’s decade-long service deserves support in maintaining his international career. The deal is expected to be finalised in the coming days, allowing ter Stegen to begin rebuilding match rhythm ahead of Germany’s 2026 World Cup preparations.
