Barcelona’s Preseason Preparations and Ter Stegen’s Uncertain Future

Barcelona is preparing to head to Asia next week for their preseason tour. However, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen trained individually after returning on Sunday, fueling speculation about his future with the club, according to international reports on Tuesday.

Reports indicate that Barcelona’s squad underwent medical evaluations on Sunday and participated in their first training session under new head coach Hansi Flick on Monday. Ter Stegen was noticeably absent from the group activities.

The club has confirmed that Ter Stegen trained alone in the gym and did not participate in either of the two sessions held on Tuesday.

Barcelona is scheduled to embark on their preseason tour of Asia next week, with friendly matches planned in Japan and South Korea. It is currently uncertain whether Ter Stegen will be part of the traveling squad.

The 33-year-old German international, who joined Barcelona in 2014, has been the team’s primary goalkeeper since 2016, following Claudio Bravo’s departure to Manchester City.

However, his position within the team has reportedly become less secure this summer after the club acquired Joan Garcia from Espanyol for €25 million.

News outlets suggest the club has communicated to Ter Stegen that he is no longer considered part of their long-term plans and has encouraged him to consider a transfer. Despite this, the goalkeeper has reportedly expressed his desire to remain with the club.

Barcelona reportedly hopes Ter Stegen will reconsider, particularly as the club wishes to see him reclaim Germany’s number one position before next summer’s international tournaments.

Garcia, who recently signed a new two-year deal, is anticipated to become the preferred goalkeeper moving forward.

Ter Stegen previously suffered a significant knee injury in late September, which led Barcelona to sign Wojciech Szczesny as a temporary replacement. Although Ter Stegen returned in the final weeks of the season and played in two games, Szczesny maintained his position for crucial matches.