Turkish giants eyeing up winter loan move for out-of-favor Barcelona star: Reports

Besiktas are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on loan in January. They are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping position, with the German out of favor at the Catalan club.

Ter Stegen suffered a patellar tendon rupture last season and made just nine appearances across competitions. He returned towards the end of the season but then suffered a back injury and underwent surgery. He has been out of action since Barcelona signed Joan Garcia from Espanyol in the summer.

As per SPORT, Besiktas are looking to sign Ter Stegen on loan in the January transfer window. They were also linked with him in the summer, but the German was adamant he wanted to stay with the Blaugrana. He is expected to return to action in December.

With Joan Garcia being the first choice for Hansi Flick's side, Ter Stegen might not get enough playing time. Moreover, with the FIFA World Cup scheduled for next summer, the German could look for a move. He would look to get into Germany's playing XI for the Mundial.

Besiktas have already contacted both Ter Stegen's representatives and Barcelona. However, the 33-year-old goalkeeper is holding out for more offers until January. Chelsea and Manchester United are also monitoring his situation.

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Barcelona and Marc-Andre ter Stegen's summer saga explored

The German goalkeeper has been named one of Barcelona's captains this season. However, it wasn't this simple. Marc-Andre ter Stegen announced in July that he will undergo surgery for a lower back injury. He stated that he will return to action after three months.

Meanwhile, as per LaLiga's rules, a club can use 80% of a player's wages if he's suffered a long-term injury for another player's salary. The Blaugrana hoped they could use Ter Stegen's wages to register Joan Garcia. However, the German goalkeeper refused to release his medical information.

Barca even stripped Ter Stegen of captaincy after this. However, the Germany international soon backtracked on his decision and gave his medical reports. The Catalan club gave him the armband again and released a statement which read:

“FC Barcelona hereby announces that La Liga’s Medical Committee has ruled that goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury meets the long-term injury criteria established by current regulations. The club will proceed tomorrow to immediately formalise the registration of player Joan García.”

Barca signed Ter Stegen from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014. He's made 422 appearances for the Spanish giants, keeping 175 clean sheets.

Edited by Aditya Singh