Flick backs García as Barcelona’s No.1 – Ter Stegen faces uncertain future

 

Marc-André ter Stegen’s hopes of regaining his place at Barcelona appear slim after coach Hansi Flick confirmed Juan García as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Ter Stegen has been sidelined for four months following back surgery, while García has impressed since joining. Flick told reporters ahead of the Osasuna match that “Juan is our number one, that’s it,” adding he would not designate a second or third keeper.

Reports suggest Barcelona, leaders of La Liga, are considering selling the 33-year-old German to ease the burden of his high salary.

For Ter Stegen, playing time is crucial if he wants to be Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup, coach Julian Nagelsmann has stressed. Oliver Baumann of Hoffenheim was Germany’s starting keeper during the qualifiers, with Ter Stegen absent due to surgery.

Sources - Agencies