Ter Stegen set to miss San Sebastián trip amid Girona loan rumours
Barcelona's German keeper looks increasingly likely to join Girona on loan as he seeks playing time ahead of the World Cup, with a deal expected next week.
Barcelona’s German shot-stopper could be making a temporary exit from the Camp Nou as negotiations with Girona reach their final stages.
Loan deal imminent
Marc-André ter Stegen’s days at Barcelona this season appear numbered, with the German international likely to miss Sunday’s trip to San Sebastián to face Real Sociedad. The goalkeeper situation at Barça has taken an interesting turn, with all signs pointing toward a loan move to high-flying Girona.
The two Catalan clubs are reportedly hammering out the final details of an arrangement that could be announced as early as next week. The financial structure of the deal would see Barcelona covering approximately 90% of ter Stegen’s wages, with Girona picking up the remaining 10% - no small potatoes when you’re talking about one of the club’s highest earners.
Last appearance already behind him?
Thursday’s Copa del Rey journey to Santander might well have been ter Stegen’s final appearance in the Barça squad this season. The negotiations between the clubs have apparently progressed so far that the German keeper is expected to be left out of Hansi Flick’s travelling party for tomorrow’s league fixture.
Ter Stegen has had a right mare since returning from a serious back injury that kept him sidelined for four months. He’s seen limited action, making just a single appearance in the Copa del Rey against Guadalajara. His situation wasn’t helped when Flick opted for Joan García between the sticks for Thursday’s cup match against Racing Santander.
World Cup motivations
With the 2026 World Cup looming this summer across Canada, the United States and Mexico, ter Stegen desperately needs regular playing time to stake his claim for Germany’s number one jersey. Girona expressed interest weeks ago, but ter Stegen’s substantial wages presented a significant hurdle.
Now that the financial aspects appear sorted, the keeper looks set to temporarily trade the Spotify Camp Nou for Montilivi in search of consistent minutes. For a player of his calibre, sitting on the bench simply isn’t an option in a World Cup year.