Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen rebuffs Galatasaray interest
Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen has emphatically rejected a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Ter Stegen wants to remain at the Catalan club for the 2025/26 season and would not head to Turkey to replace Fernando Muslera, who left Gala after 14 successful seasons.
Sources close to him have denied reports of any negotiations with Galatasaray or other clubs, stating, “Marc is going to play for Barcelona next season. That is the end.”
The 33-year-old keeper is currently on holiday following international duty and is reportedly focusing on recharging ahead of pre-season.
Despite Barcelona reportedly eyeing Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia as part of their summer reshuffle, Ter Stegen remains unfazed.
The former Borussia Monchengladbach man has previously fended off competition from the likes of Claudio Bravo, Jasper Cillessen, Neto, Inaki Pena, and even Wojciech Szczesny last term.
Ter Stegen views any new arrivals as natural and is prepared to battle for his place, as he always has.
After overcoming a long-term injury earlier in the season, Ter Stegen joined Germany for their Nations League campaign, where he gained valuable minutes.
Ter Stegen has been a faithful servant of the Catalan club, making 416 appearances and keeping 175 clean sheets.
However, the German international statistically underperformed this season.
His goals-prevented number for the season sits at a dreadful (- 2.16), and Garcia might back himself to usurp the veteran next term.
His return to action for Barcelona did not go as planned. He looked a shadow of his old self against Villarreal as they lost 3-2.
He might need more games to get up to speed after a long time on the sidelines.
It is worth noting that Barca might be trying to shift Ter Stegen off the books.
He is one of the highest earners at the club, and with a replacement on the way, they need some financial relief.