According to Sport, Marc-André ter Stegen has reaffirmed his commitment to staying at FC Barcelona, despite a challenging season marked by recovery from lumbar surgery. The German goalkeeper, whose contract runs until 2028, has reportedly dismissed various offers from the Premier League and the Turkish Süper Lig. His desire to remain in the city for personal reasons remains unshaken, even after the club temporarily stripped him of his captaincy during a registration dispute earlier this season.

Ter Stegen currently faces a difficult hierarchy under Hansi Flick, with Joan García established as the primary starter and Wojciech Szczęsny competing for the secondary role. Despite the prospect of being a backup, Ter Stegen is prepared to accept a reduced role at the Camp Nou. He has developed a strategic plan with the German FA (DFB) to maintain his status as Germany’s number one ahead of the 2026 World Cup. This plan relies on him securing starts in the Supercopa de España and the Copa del Rey, alongside potential appearances in late-season league matches.

However, this strategy has already faced its first setback, as Flick has reportedly chosen Joan García to start in the upcoming Supercopa. While Ter Stegen is now pinning his hopes on the Copa del Rey, a potential loan to Girona remains a secondary option. Such a move would allow him to stay near Barcelona and gain much-needed playing time, though it would require Girona to sell players in January to cover his significant wages. If Ter Stegen continues to be sidelined in the domestic cups, the "Girona route" may become increasingly necessary to protect his international career.