Barcelona have already begun negotiations with Ter Stegen

The German goalkeeper must decide in the coming weeks which path to take with a view to the World Cup.

Marc-André Ter Stegen is in the final stages of his recovery (he underwent surgery in July for lower back problems) and everything points to him being able to return to play in January. However, Barça is working to try to resolve his sporting and contractual situation sooner. The coming weeks will be eventful. This is a very important issue both in sporting and economic terms because his registration was cancelled due to his injury being considered long-term, and as a result, Joan Garcia was registered.

Ter Stegen's priority remains the same as it was in the summer: he wants to stay at Barça, but at this point, no scenario can be ruled out. Not even a departure in the upcoming winter transfer window. In this regard, the club has given the German goalkeeper complete freedom to decide his future, although there is external pressure that could tip the balance one way or the other. The German national team, under the leadership of Julian Nagelsmann, is pushing Marc-André to find a team where he can be a starter so that he can be in good shape at all levels for the World Cup.

This is by no means a minor issue, as Ter Stegen is aware that this could be his last chance to play in a World Cup. The possibility of playing in the international tournament as a starter, something that seems guaranteed as long as he is fit, forces the goalkeeper to also consider a move, even if it is only temporary, i.e. in the form of a loan. He needs to play, and at Barça no one can guarantee him anything.

As for possible destinations, there is interest from Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Tottenham, although nothing has been finalised yet and everything is dependent on the goalkeeper taking the next step. There are also teams in Germany willing to offer him a starting spot so that he can gain experience before the World Cup, ensuring that he arrives at the tournament with rhythm and competitive confidence. This pressure from the national team and the need for playing time pose a dilemma for Ter Stegen, who will have to make a decision in the coming weeks.

As far as Barça is concerned, the club has informed the German goalkeeper that Joan García will be the first-choice keeper in both LaLiga and the Champions League. The Copa del Rey could offer him some opportunities, but these would be very limited and would always depend on the first team progressing in the competition. This scenario would reinforce the importance of considering a temporary move if he wants to ensure his continuity as the first-choice keeper for the Mannschaft.

The idea is that the final decision will be made during December, and moves and contacts are already being made in various directions. The combination of the player's desire to play in the World Cup, pressure from his national team, and Barça's internal planning will determine the path that is ultimately taken, with repercussions for both the player and the club's sporting structure.

In short, the coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether Ter Stegen stays at Barça, leaves temporarily or finds a balance that allows him to fulfil his sporting and personal goals, including his participation as a starter for the German national team in the World Cup in the United States. Both the player and the club will have to carefully evaluate each step, balancing their interests and needs, at a time that will affect the development of the team since Joan Garcia's registration will not be conditional as it is guaranteed until the end of the season.