Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is reportedly on the verge of a loan move to Girona FC as he seeks consistent playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup [[1]]. The move, first reported by Spanish media, comes amidst limited appearances for the German international at Barcelona, exacerbated by recent injury setbacks and the club’s acquisition of Joan Garcia [[3]]. Beyond the sporting implications, the potential transfer also addresses personal considerations for ter Stegen, allowing him to remain near his family in Catalonia following a recent separation .
Marc-André ter Stegen is nearing a loan move to Girona FC, according to reports from Spain. The Barcelona goalkeeper, 33, is reportedly in advanced talks with the La Liga club as he seeks regular playing time, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. Spanish journalist Nil Sola of the Cadena Ser radio network reports that only minor details remain before the deal is finalized.
To facilitate the move, ter Stegen is reportedly willing to forgo a significant portion of his salary. Barcelona currently pays the German international an estimated €18-20 million per year, and Girona will cover a manageable share of that amount. Girona currently sits 13th in La Liga, four points above the relegation zone, making this a crucial period in their season.
Reports indicate that Barcelona gave Joan Garcia the start in a recent Copa del Rey match – a spot that would typically be reserved for ter Stegen – signaling their willingness to allow the move.
Ter Stegen’s primary motivation for seeking a loan is to regain consistent match fitness and put himself in contention for a spot in the German national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He has seen limited action for Barcelona, missing significant portions of the past two seasons through injury. He recently returned to the pitch in December, appearing in a Copa del Rey match against CD Guadalajara. Barcelona bolstered their goalkeeping options with the acquisition of Joan Garcia (24) from Espanyol for €25 million, further diminishing ter Stegen’s opportunities.
Marc-André ter Stegen (33) has made only one competitive appearance for Barça this season, and nine last season.
The potential move to Girona also makes sense for ter Stegen on a personal level. The club is located in Catalonia, just over an hour from Barcelona, allowing him to remain close to his two children following his separation from his wife in March. The arrangement would simplify the co-parenting situation, avoiding the complexities of an international relocation.
