Barcelona’s Comeback Plan: Laporta Bets on Ter Stegen Returning, But Warns of a Hidden Pitfall
21 January 2026
Barça’s Champions League aim and a note of caution
Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke about the club's prospects to finish in the top eight of the Champions League group stage. He said this is a target and that he believes in the chances if Barcelona can win the next two matches. He warned to be wary of a trap in the race for points, noting that several teams could end up with similar tallies.
Ter Stegen’s return, the Girona loan and the World Cup angle
Laporta praised Marc-André ter Stegen for his work for Barça and reiterated confidence in his return after the Girona loan, stressing that the move is temporary and that Ter Stegen is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
The Barça president added that the situation generates mixed feelings — they want what is best for Ter Stegen and also want him at Barça. He noted that if Ter Stegen aims to feature at the World Cup, as the Germany coach indicated, he will need to play regularly, and staying on the bench to recover would have made things harder.
He also stressed that Ter Stegen knows Barça is his home and remains under contract, hoping he will go to the World Cup and then they will discuss his future. The keeper’s future remains linked to Barça, and Laporta wished the best for a captain who is exceptional and a wonderful person beyond being a great goalkeeper.
In the same context, Barça and Slavia Prague are set for a Champions League clash on Jan 21, 2026 at 21:00 local time, a fixture that could shape the Group stage standings.
Punchlines: if goals were a fashion trend, Barça would be wearing headers. And remember, Ter Stegen might be on loan, but his save percentage still has a built in express lane back to Catalonia.
