It is the time of the year where Barcelona are linked with a wide variety of names, and as much as signings, there is also also plenty of speculation over sales. With the Catalan side hoping to make significant investments at the number nine position and in central defence, it could pave the way for more departures in recent years.
One of the names that Barcelona will try to move on this summer is Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The 33-year-old captain is currently on loan at Girona, and has missed most of the season through injury. Expected to return in May, he left on loan in hope of securing minutes to make his case to be Germany’s number one at the World Cup.
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Nagelsmann admits ter Stegen unlikely to be at World Cup
Speaking earlier in the week ahead of Germany’s second friendly with Ghana (2-1), manager Julian Nagelsmann admitted that ter Stegen’s chances of going to the USA, Canada and Mexico were slim.
“We spoke briefly the day before yesterday. He’s always there when needed and when he can contribute. He doesn’t just look out for himself, but also considers the team. Out of respect for him, I’m not going to close the door on him going to the World Cup, but the chances are very slim; he’s been out for almost a year. He needs to accelerate his rehabilitation. He’s not in much pain anymore, but everything takes time. And he’s not 21 anymore,” he told Marca.
It seems Nagelsmann has already replaced him to all intents and purposes.
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“Oliver Baumann is the starter and Alexander Nubel is the backup. Alex fulfills this role very well, just as you’d expect from a very, very good backup. Alex does a fantastic job and in many countries he would be the starter. We have no problems in goal.”
Barcelona hope to move on from ter Stegen this summer
Meanwhile his recovery could in part dictate his future in Spanish football. Sport say that Barcelona are hoping he can play again before the end of the season, which would help to put him in the shop window this summer. If he were to go to the World Cup, the Blaugrana would be even happier.
Last summer Barcelona opened the door to a move for ter Stegen following the signature of Joan Garcia, but were careful not to try and force the issue. The idea is to move ter Stegen on if possible, and the club have already been in contact with Real Sociedad’s Alex Remiro to come in as a potential back-up for Garcia. There is also doubt over Wojciech Szczesny’s continuity.
Ter Stegen is one of the highest earners in the Barcelona squad, and has two years left on his deal. Given his age, injury record and salary, it could be difficult to find a club willing to sign him, and with his children settled in the Catalan capital, he also has an added incentive to see out his deal at the club.