German national team goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is leaving FC Barcelona after twelve years to join league rival FC Girona on loan until the end of the season. The 33-year-old hopes to secure more playing time ahead of the summer World Cup. The transfer was confirmed by both clubs on Tuesday.
Marc-André ter Stegen, who joined FC Barcelona in 2014 and has been team captain since 2024, lost his starting position this season due to injuries. A knee injury and back surgery sidelined him for months; he only played once in the cup. Coach Hansi Flick opted instead for Joan Garcia, signed for 25 million euros, as the number one, with Wojciech Szczesny as another option.
The move to Girona, currently eleventh in La Liga with the league's worst defense conceding 34 goals in 20 games, is aimed at securing ter Stegen's spot in Germany's World Cup goal. National team coach Julian Nagelsmann and DFB sports director Rudi Völler stressed that he needs regular play. After Manuel Neuer's retirement, ter Stegen took over as number one, but Oliver Baumann impressed in qualifiers as his deputy.
On Instagram, ter Stegen expressed mixed feelings: "I am deeply grateful and proud. I love this club, this city, and this region." He looks forward to continuing his journey in Catalonia. Flick praised him as a "fantastic goalkeeper" and called the switch the right decision for the club's future. Girona coach Míchel enthused: "He is a top player." The transfer had been brewing for weeks; ter Stegen was absent from the Champions League squad against Slavia Prague.
Financially strained Barcelona would have liked to save ter Stegen's high salary until 2028, but a dispute over medical documents was resolved. Girona, in the Champions League last year, now fights relegation.
