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7 hours ago
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Barcelona could allow captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen to move on this summer.
Major changes are planned for Hansi Flick's No.1 spot for the 2025/26 season as he aims to defend his La Liga title and Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup trophies.
Flick has made a controversial call to bring in Joan Garcia from rivals Espanyol in a clear indication over his idea to change the starting goal keeper next season.
Ter Stegen missed the majority of last season after suffering a serious knee injury in September and Barcelona exercised a La Liga rule to bring in Wojciech Szczesny as a replacement.
Szczesny came out of retirement to cover for Ter Stegen and played a vital role in Flick's debut treble win.
The Polish stopper is reportedly prepared to sign a contract extension until 2027, as a back up to Garcia, with Inaki Pena ready to leave after being demoted to fourth choice.
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That leaves Ter Stegen facing a major decision on his future, with the Germany international rumoured to be attracting interest from Turkey and the Saudi Pro League, ahead of key talks with Flick next month.
Flick is expected to outline the change in situation, and offer Ter Stegen the chance to move on if he wants to, with Germany legend Lothar Matthaus joining the calls for him to leave.
Matthaus tells Ter Stegen to leave Barcelona
Matthaus - who captained West Germany to glory at the 1990 FIFA World Cup - is a key voice within German football and his stance is clear.
"The club has its interests, and if Barca have another goalkeeper, it's a risky bet for Ter Stegen to stay," he told Sky Germany, via Marca.
"There will come a time when Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann can no longer justify him starting, if he's on the bench for his club.
"Given that Szczesny is likely to renew his contract, I think Ter Stegen will leave Barcelona.
"Ter Stegen's situation is uncomfortable. He's returned in good form after a long injury, and in the Nations League, showed he's still a world-class goalkeeper at 33 years old.
"But, Joan García, is nine years younger. He's already a member of the Spain national team and is expected to play for them in the future."
Ter Stegen was boosted by Nagelsmann's comments earlier this month, as he reiterated his place as No.1 for Germany, and his main goal is now the 2026 World Cup in North America next summer.
Matthaus also dropped a bold hint over Ter Stegen possibly moving to the Premier League if Manchester City make an offer to the former Borussia Monchengladbach star.
"I don't know what Man City's plans are, but I think they're not very happy with Ederson. Ter Stegen could be their keeper for the next three or four years."
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