The 33-year-old has been sidelined since September 2024 with a long-term back injury that required surgery. He only resumed full group training on 1 December and is not expected to receive medical clearance until late December 2025. His prolonged absence, coupled with Barcelona's shifting goalkeeping hierarchy, has fuelled strong doubts over his ability to reclaim the No.1 spot.

Ter Stegen has made around 423 official appearances for Barcelona since joining from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014, but he has barely played since the end of the 2023-24 season. His place has been taken by Joan Garcia, who arrived earlier this year and quickly established himself as the preferred choice under Hansi Flick. Garcia has also dealt with his own knee issues, missing nine matches, which opened the door for 35-year-old Wojciech Szczesny to feature regularly.

Despite being under contract until June 2028, Ter Stegen is believed to understand that consistent game time elsewhere may be essential if he wants to force his way into Germany's squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Reports in Spain have stated that Barcelona are prepared to let him leave on a free transfer in January if he agrees to forgo the salary still owed to him. Club officials reportedly view his departure as a "strategic opportunity" that would ease financial pressure ahead of the summer.

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has added to the speculation. Speaking in November, he said he was "confident" that clubs would move for Ter Stegen once he returned to fitness. Nagelsmann added: "He's our No.1 if he's fit and if he's No.1 at his club. If he becomes a starter again, he can certainly be our first-choice goalkeeper, because he deserves it."

Interest from abroad is already building. Turkish side Besiktas are understood to have presented an offer, while Galatasaray, Chelsea and Manchester United are also monitoring the situation. Ter Stegen's representatives are reportedly exploring "multiple scenarios" ahead of the January window.

Although the German remains determined to fight for his place, the reality at Camp Nou has changed. Barcelona's goalkeeping future appears to be moving in a new direction, and Ter Stegen may soon need to find a new club if he wants regular football and a route back to the national team.

Bayer Leverkusen midfield dynamo Aleix Garcia eyes Spain's 2026 World Cup squad selection