Laporta Tells Barcelona Star It’s Time to Leave – Club Pushes for Immediate Exit
In a surprising twist, the past few hours have seen significant tension inside one of Europe’s biggest clubs. A top official has reportedly asked a key player to leave immediately, without waiting for the expiration of his contract. This decision wasn’t made lightly—it followed major internal developments and a shift in the club’s lineup, especially in a crucial position.
The player, once seen as indispensable, is now considered a technical and financial burden, with mounting pressure to resolve his future swiftly.
Joan Laporta recently held a meeting with Marc-André ter Stegen, the Barcelona captain, urging him to leave the club as soon as possible, according to Spanish outlet El Nacional.
Sources say that Ter Stegen’s position at the club has become increasingly unstable, particularly following the arrival of goalkeeper Juan García. García accepted Barcelona’s offer after being promised the starting role in all competitions—a key factor in his decision to turn down more lucrative offers elsewhere.
Although Ter Stegen is still regarded as a top-tier goalkeeper, his ongoing injury problems, some requiring surgery, and his advancing age have raised serious concerns within the club about his long-term reliability.
Coach Hansi Flick, in theory, would welcome having both García and Ter Stegen in the squad. However, this scenario seems unrealistic. Ter Stegen is unlikely to accept a backup role, especially in a pivotal year as he eyes becoming Germany’s starting goalkeeper following Manuel Neuer’s international retirement.
Financially, Barcelona cannot afford to keep paying a high salary to a goalkeeper who may no longer be first choice. This has pushed the club to not only open the door for Ter Stegen’s exit but also to actively encourage it.
Several clubs are reportedly interested in signing the German international, including AC Milan, Marseille, Monaco, and Juventus, as well as multiple teams in the Saudi Pro League.
Laporta and sporting director Deco are working to ensure a smooth departure, even being open to reasonable offers or a mutual contract termination—on the condition that the player leaves respectfully and in a way that reflects well on both parties.
However, the main obstacle remains Ter Stegen’s current stance. He has shown no willingness to leave and believes he can prove to Flick during preseason that he deserves to keep the starting spot and outperform García.
With a contract running until 2028, Ter Stegen is demanding significant financial compensation to walk away, refusing to forgo the guaranteed money in his deal.
