Final Warning Pushes Ter Stegen Toward Barcelona Exit

Rising questions over Ter Stegen's next move

The German goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, the Barcelona shot-stopper, finds himself at a crossroads that could push him toward a January exit from the club.

What the German coaching staff are saying

According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Ter Stegen has been told that he must play regularly or risk exclusion from the national team in the near future.

Rudi Voller, the national team sporting director, outlined the goalkeeper's future with the Mannschaft and warned that the coming weeks will be crucial. With limited minutes since his return from injury, his World Cup prospects hang in the balance.

To Kicker, Voller added that it does not matter whether he stays at Barcelona or moves elsewhere; what matters is that he plays. If a real opportunity arises, everyone will be happy for him after years as a world class goalkeeper behind Manuel Neuer.

Barcelona coach Xavi's preference for Juan García as the first-choice keeper, along with García's recent form, suggests Ter Stegen may need a new club in the winter window to secure the playing time he needs.

Voller left the goalkeeping order open, eyeing March 2026 for the first international fixtures, noting it is hard to know whether coach Julian Nagelsmann will settle on a final arrangement by then. He added that a lot depends on Marc Andre: how is he, what is he doing.

In this context, Voller also highlighted rival goalkeeper Oliver Baumann of Hoffenheim as Germany's current number two, praising his performances so far.