As Joan Garcia arrives at Barcelona, where does that leave Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the goalkeeping pecking order?
Hansi Flick and those in positions of power at La Liga champions Barcelona have found themselves in a tight spot as the judges of the race between Joan Garcia and Marc-André ter Stegen for Barcelona’s number one shirt. And it looks like a decision has been made.
Helena Condis of COPE has confirmed that ter Stegen, who has been with Barcelona since 2014, is no longer the preferred goalkeeper for manager Hansi Flick. That position of the starting goalkeeper is reported to be filled next season by Joan Garcia, who arrived at the club this summer from Espanyol. The investment made in 24-year old Garcia, shows trust and backing by the team’s management, and with the recent contract extension confirmed for Wojciech Szczęsny, the decision in terms of ter Stegen’s future seems quite clear.
As reported by Condis: ‘Barça are going to inform ter Stegen that Joan García is their starting goalkeeper. Ter Stegen is upset with the club and has no intention of forgiving them for the three years of his contract.’
Ter Stegen is reportedly still keen on staying at the club for now, with reports indicating that he has turned down potential incoming offers for his transfer. But while the two goalkeepers have recently crossed paths at the Ciutat Esportiva to start training for the new season, whatever next happens at the goalkeeping department at Camp Nou over the course of the summer will be something to keep a close eye on.
