Marc-André ter Stegen will not be heading to the Premier League this month. West Ham made an approach to sign the Barcelona goalkeeper on loan, but the proposal was rejected and never moved beyond exploratory talks, according to talkSPORT.
The 33-year-old is instead expected to remain in La Liga, with Girona close to completing a loan deal that would run until the end of the season. Reports in Spain suggest only minor details remain before the agreement is finalized.
Ter Stegen’s situation at Barcelona
has become clear over recent weeks. He has yet to appear in a league match this season and has been overtaken by Joan García, who arrived from Espanyol in the summer and has started every game in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. His only appearance was in Copa del Rey, and even that is not guaranteed.
His absence against Racing Santander in the round of 16 was widely interpreted as a turning point. Per Mundo Deportivo, Ter Stegen had hoped the competition would provide minutes to stay in contention for Germany, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching. National team coach Julian Nagelsmann has already warned that players without regular football would struggle to remain in his plans.
While West Ham were actively searching for a new goalkeeper and sounded out Barcelona, the move reportedly never appealed to Ter Stegen. He prioritized staying close to Barcelona for family reasons, while also favoring a club that could offer him consistent starts.
Hence, Girona – who fit that profile. The Montilivi side see him as an immediate starter and are confident they can give him the continuity he has lacked.
Financially, the deal requires Barcelona’s cooperation. Girona can only cover a small portion of Ter Stegen’s salary, with Barça expected to pay the majority in order to facilitate the loan.
“His future is his decision,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said, before adding, “We will accept whatever he decides.”
At the same time, Flick has shown no intention of rotating his goalkeepers, with García firmly established as his first choice.
Ter Stegen’s standing at the club remains significant. He has made more than 400 appearances since arriving in 2014, won six La Liga titles, lifted the Champions League and inherited the captain’s armband after Sergi Roberto’s departure.
