Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a sensational loan move for out-of-favour Barcelona goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The German has found himself frozen out after nearly a decade as the Catalans’ undisputed No.1. He has been pushed aside to make way for Joan Garcia, the former Espanyol star who was one of Europe’s standout performers last season. Barcelona’s decision to spend €25 million (£22m/$29m) on Garcia has caused internal friction as it is understood that Ter Stegen was livid at the signing, viewing it as a declaration that his era was over.
Ter Stegen's rift with Barcelona
After undergoing a back surgery earlier in the summer, Ter Stegen stunned club officials by posting his own injury update on social media, without notifying Barcelona’s medical department. It was seen as a lack of professionalism by the board. Moreover, tensions flared up again when Ter Stegen allegedly refused to sign a release form allowing the club to access his medical documents, delaying García’s registration just days before La Liga kicked off.
Barca were furious with the goalkeeper, and legal action was reportedly discussed internally. They even stripped Ter Stegen of the captain’s armband, sending a clear message that no player was bigger than the institution. A fragile truce was eventually brokered, and the German was reinstated as captain weeks later. Wojciech Szczesny offered his support to the keeper and insisted that he believes in Ter Stegen's ability, and the keeper could still make a comeback.
Speaking to , Szczesny said: "I don't think it's a pleasant situation. I was in the same situation with Juventus and decided to retire from football. I don't advise the same thing to Marc, because he still has a lot to contribute to football, but I think sometimes, in this job, you have to accept that some decisions hurt you. The club decided to sign Joan and had the opportunity to bring in a world-class talent who can play for Barca for the next 15 years. It must be frustrating for him after being such an important player for so many years, but Marc is a very intelligent guy, and I think he understands. It's not just a decision for the club's present, but also for the future. We spoke a lot this summer, and I think he understands. The most important thing for him now is to get back into shape, because he missed the entire last year. He's currently dealing with an old injury, so as soon as he recovers, I'm sure he still has a lot to contribute to football."
AdvertisementGetty ImagesChelsea could swoop for Ter Stegen
According to , Chelsea are exploring a loan deal for the German shot-stopper as part of their desperate bid to strengthen between the sticks. The news comes amid continued uncertainty over Robert Sanchez's position as long-term No.1. The Blues are looking for experience and leadership in goal, believing Ter Stegen could be the calming presence they’ve lacked since the departure of Edouard Mendy. They view both Ter Stegen and Mike Maignan as elite-level options capable of restoring defensive confidence. The choice, however, may depend on timing. While a loan for Ter Stegen could be struck as early as January, Maignan remains Maresca’s long-term dream signing.
Maignan remains an option on the table for Chelsea
Chelsea have admired Maignan for over a year and came close to signing him during the mini transfer window before the Club World Cup. However, AC Milan’s valuation forced them to back off, knowing they’d get another chance when his contract runs out in 2026. It is understood that Chelsea remain confident that Maignan will walk away from Milan at the end of the season, leaving him available on a free transfer. His arrival could potentially turn Chelsea into genuine Premier League contenders again, especially under a manager like Maresca, who values ball-playing keepers capable of dictating from the back. But the Blues aren’t alone in the chase. Juventus and Bayern Munich are both reportedly preparing to enter the race for Maignan’s signature, setting the stage for a fierce tug-of-war next summer.
Getty Images SportChelsea weigh up their transfer options
If Maignan proves unattainable before next summer, Chelsea’s hierarchy see Ter Stegen as the perfect stopgap. A short-term loan would allow them to secure world-class experience without committing to another big-money deal. Chelsea’s scouting department has reportedly also drawn up a third option in Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel. However, any potential deal will be complex as the keeper has a contract until the summer of 2028. Still, Chelsea’s determination to fix their goalkeeper issue is clear. After years of uncertainty between the sticks, the club is willing to explore every possible avenue to bring stability back to the backline.