Will Barca Keeper Ter Stegen Leave the Club?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ter Stegen denies exit rumors
- Focus on recovery and performance
- Commitment to Barcelona for next season
- Support from coach Nagelsmann
- Contract extends until 2028
New Delhi, June 1 (NationPress) Over the course of his impressive career, German national team goalkeeper and Barcelona star Marc-Andre ter Stegen has faced numerous challenges. As the UEFA Final Four tournament approaches, with Germany set to clash against Portugal in the semifinal on Wednesday in Munich, speculation has arisen regarding the 33-year-old's future, with reports indicating that Barcelona might consider him for sale.
After spending over a decade in Catalonia, various Spanish media outlets have suggested that the former Moenchengladbach keeper’s tenure at the club could be nearing a close, especially following his recent recovery from an eight-month injury hiatus.
On Sunday, amidst rampant rumors, the 2015 UEFA Champions League champion and six-time Spanish champion confronted the speculation directly during a press conference in Herzogenaurach, firmly denying any intent to depart from the reigning La Liga champions, as reported by Xinhua.
“No one has spoken to me about it. I am confident that I will be playing in Barcelona next season,” Ter Stegen stated.
He recognized the club's ongoing quest for top-tier talent but reiterated his determination to compete, stating, “My objective is to always be on the field. As long as I perform well, I feel secure.”
“Currently, we have two goalkeepers, Inaki Pena and myself, and any newcomers will need to face the competition,” he added, notably excluding the 35-year-old veteran Wojciech Szczesny.
Szczesny is reported to have agreed to a one-year contract extension.
Ter Stegen expressed that his recovery process has helped him appreciate every moment on the field. His aim, he emphasized, has always been “to reach my previous level and come back even stronger.”
Before Ter Stegen's remarks, German national coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed complete faith in his veteran goalkeeper.
“He is our undisputed number one. I believe he will perform exceptionally in the upcoming matches,” the 37-year-old manager stated. Ter Stegen welcomed the endorsement, saying, “I have always maintained a positive outlook, and that remains true today.”
Ter Stegen made his return to the national squad after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon last September, completing a recovery period of 223 days.
Barcelona's athletic coach Pablo Merino is reportedly supporting Ter Stegen’s journey back to peak form. “He is a disciplined German,” Merino noted. “Data indicates he has increased his strength and muscle mass.”
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Barcelona president Joan Laporta has sanctioned a goalkeeping overhaul, with 24-year-old Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia apparently on the club's radar.
Ter Stegen's existing contract extends until 2028. Since his return to training, he has participated in just two matches, while Szczesny has taken the lead in the Copa del Rey final and critical La Liga games.
“I am incredibly eager for the upcoming club season,” Ter Stegen remarked, as he anticipates defending Germany’s goal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup