Ter Stegen is loaned to Girona: Barcelona coach Flick

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confirmed reports on Tuesday that veteran goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will join neighboring Girona on loan.

Germany international Ter Stegen has fallen behind Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny in the pecking order at Barca.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the 33-year-old must play regularly to make his case to start the tournament for Germany.

«This morning Marc said he is going to Girona,» Flick told a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match in Slavia Prague.

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«I think Marc is a fantastic goalkeeper. We decided to take (a) different path for the future of the club and I think it was the right decision. But I wish him all the best because he is a fantastic goalkeeper.»

«Maybe we will see him in the German national team at the World Cup. (My) fingers are crossed for this and I think he has good chances.»

Ter Stegen, who joined Barça from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014, has won six La Liga titles and one Champions League title, among other silverware, with Barça.

The goalkeeper missed much of last season due to a serious knee injury, which led to Barca bringing Szczesny out of retirement to take his place.

Another injury kept Ter Stegen out of action for a large part of the current campaign, in which he made only one appearance.

Ter Stegen did not travel to Prague, where Barcelona wants to secure a place in the top eight in the competition phase of the Champions League.

The suspended Lamine Yamal is also missing for Wednesday’s match, which will be held in subzero temperatures.

“The good thing is (the players) have to run because it’s warmer,” Flick joked.

Barca’s 11-match winning run ended on Sunday with a defeat to Real Sociedad in La Liga.

Flick said it could improve his team, especially in finishing.

«We played at the highest level and this is what I want to see. It was better to lose this (like) instead of showing a bad performance,» Flick added.

“I think this could give us a little more confidence to believe in what we are doing… but I think we have to be more precise in front of goal, this is what I want to see from the team.”

Published on January 20, 2026