Ter Stegen trains alone as Barcelona starts preseason

Marc-André ter Stegen – Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper for the past nine years – is now training separately from the main squad since the team started preseason.

While other players underwent medical tests and training sessions with coach Hansi Flick, the 33-year-old keeper only trained alone in the gym. This situation continued through the next two training sessions.

Ter Stegen’s position at Barcelona is now threatened following Joan García’s arrival from Espanyol for €25 million. Wojciech Szczęsny – who joined last season when ter Stegen was injured – will serve as García’s backup.

Although the club has opened the door for his departure, ter Stegen still wishes to stay at Barcelona. However, with the 2026 World Cup approaching, lack of playing time could affect his position in the German national team.

Ter Stegen’s participation in next week’s Asia preseason tour remains uncertain. Meanwhile, backup goalkeeper Iñaki Peña is also reportedly ready to seek new challenges to secure regular playing time.