Marc-André ter Stegen Offered Support from Barcelona Legend as Hansi Flick Faces Delicate Goalkeeper Dilemma with Joan Garcia

A Club Icon in the Shadows: The Changing Role of Marc-André ter Stegen

There are few positions in football more unforgiving than that of a goalkeeper. One mistake can linger in the spotlight for weeks, while even long stretches of brilliance are often taken for granted. But at a club like FC Barcelona, where expectations are sky-high and transitions are rarely gentle, the pressure multiplies. Now, one of the most trusted figures of the past decade at Camp Nou—Marc-André ter Stegen—finds himself staring down the barrel of a career-defining moment.

The German shot-stopper, who has served as Barcelona’s No.1 since 2014, has reportedly been informed by new head coach Hansi Flick that he will no longer be the automatic starter. With the summer arrival of Joan Garcia from Espanyol and the contract extension of experienced Polish keeper Wojciech Szczęsny, the pecking order at Barça’s goalposts is shifting. And it’s left fans, pundits, and former teammates alike grappling with mixed emotions.

What Happened? A Changing of the Guard at Barcelona

Ter Stegen, 32, has long been regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in world football. His reflexes, composure under pressure, and mastery in playing out from the back have defined Barcelona’s modern style. But the 2024-25 season could mark a sharp turn in his story at the club.

According to multiple sources from within the club, Flick has made it clear that, for now, Joan Garcia is being prepared to be the first-choice goalkeeper. Szczęsny, with his vast international experience, is also in line to challenge for regular appearances. That leaves Marc-André Ter Stegen—who is still under contract until 2028—as third-choice, a startling drop for someone who just a season ago wore the captain’s armband and led the team from the back.

While Barcelona are yet to make any formal announcements, Marc-André Ter Stegen has reportedly been training away from the main squad. This only adds to the speculation that a departure is being actively considered by both player and club.

What Ivan Rakitic Said: “If I Have Marc-André Ter Stegen, He Plays.”

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Among those voicing their support for the embattled goalkeeper is none other than Ivan Rakitic, a former Barça teammate and club legend. In a recent interview, Rakitic made his feelings about the situation abundantly clear.

“If I have Marc-André Ter Stegen in my team, Marc-André Ter Stegen plays. That’s quite clear,” he stated bluntly. “For me, it’s clear: Joan Garcia is good, a goalkeeper with a lot of talent. But he’s competing with Marc.”

Rakitic didn’t stop there. He highlighted the inherent complexity of managing top-level goalkeepers, especially when multiple capable options are available.

“Hansi will have a pretty tricky situation there, because you can only ever play one goalkeeper. And we know how it is—whether you’re the first, second or fifth goalkeeper, everyone wants to play. It won’t be easy. I’m sure Hansi has a plan. He’ll try to create an atmosphere in which it works – because at the end of the day, it’s the team that counts.”

The Bigger Picture: Why Barcelona Are Making This Move

Barcelona’s decision to bring in Joan Garcia and retain Szczęsny points to a broader strategy under Flick’s leadership—youth, competition, and evolution. Flick, who is known for his high standards and sharp tactical mind, appears to be laying the groundwork for a new era at the club.

Joan Garcia, just 23, impressed at Espanyol with his strong command of the penalty box and quick reactions. Many in Spain view him as a rising star, one who could potentially hold down the number one spot for the next decade. Szczęsny, meanwhile, offers experience and leadership, acting as both mentor and motivator in a competitive goalkeeper unit.

But even with this in mind, offloading a veteran like Marc-André Ter Stegen—who is still considered among the elite—won’t be a simple task. The German is believed to have a sizeable salary, and only a handful of top European clubs would be willing (or able) to meet both his personal terms and the transfer fee Barcelona might demand.

A Delicate Issue for Hansi Flick

The challenge for Flick is as much psychological as it is tactical. Few managers envy the task of telling a long-time servant that their role has diminished. But Flick has reportedly made transparency his priority.

He has encouraged Marc-André Ter Stegen to stay focused, to embrace the competition, and to work his way back into the fold. However, there’s a sense that both sides may be preparing for a separation—if not immediately, then perhaps in January or next summer.

Flick knows the dangers of mishandling squad harmony, especially when it involves senior players. Marc-André Ter Stegen’s professionalism has never been in question, but keeping him on the bench long-term without clarity could risk unrest—something Barcelona can ill afford during a period of rebuild.

What Next for Marc-André Ter Stegen?

ter Stegen

The German international is at a crossroads. While he remains under contract until 2028, the writing on the wall suggests that his days at Camp Nou could be numbered. A number of European sides—particularly in the Bundesliga and Premier League—are reportedly monitoring his situation.

Clubs like Bayern Munich (should Manuel Neuer retire), Manchester United (depending on Onana’s form), and even Juventus have all been tentatively linked. However, any deal would likely depend on Marc-André Ter Stegen’s willingness to lower his wage demands or accept a structured contract.

For now, he remains a Barcelona player—training, watching, waiting. And perhaps, quietly burning with the desire to prove everyone wrong.

The Emotional Toll: When Legends Are Pushed Aside

Transitions are never easy, and when it involves a player who has been a cornerstone of a club’s identity, emotions run high. Marc-André Ter Stegen’s relationship with Barça fans has always been strong. He’s had his ups and downs, sure, but through it all, he’s remained loyal, consistent, and proud to wear the crest.

For many supporters, seeing him sidelined feels like the end of an era—a gentle push toward the exit door for a player who helped define a generation.

Yet football is a game of evolution. Just as the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, and Puyol once passed the baton, perhaps now it’s Marc-André Ter Stegen’s turn. Whether that baton is passed to Garcia or Szczęsny—or someone else entirely—remains to be seen.

Final Thoughts: End of the Line or the Start of a Comeback?

It’s hard to imagine a Barcelona starting XI without Marc-André ter Stegen between the sticks. But football moves fast, and sentiment rarely stands in the way of strategic decisions.

Still, this story isn’t finished yet. Marc-André Ter Stegen is nothing if not a fighter. If he remains at the club, don’t be surprised if he claws his way back into the lineup. If he departs, he’ll leave as one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever don the Barcelona shirt.

Either way, he deserves the respect of fans and peers alike. And thanks to Ivan Rakitic and others, that respect is still loud and clear—even if the spotlight has momentarily shifted.