Conflicts continue to intensify! Ter Stegen refuses to give way, and the hard-working club threatens the bench

The conflict between Barcelona meritorious goalkeeper Ter Stegen and the club is being open and continues to escalate. On June 9, according to the Spanish Daily Sports newspaper and other media, in the context of the club's intention to clean up high-paying players, the deeply hurt Terstegen refused to leave the team. Barcelona may launch a "cold bench" threat, forcing the German goalkeeper to make a choice this summer.

Since joining in 2014, Ter Stegen has guarded Barcelona's goal for 10 years. However, in the just-passed 2024-25 season, he was absent due to injury for a long time. During this period, Polish veteran Szczesni was ordered to return in the face of danger and performed well, helping the new coach Frick lead the team to win three domestic championships in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

Although Ter Stegen is now fully recovered from injury, he failed to regain his main position in key battles at the end of the season, especially in the Champions League knockout stage. What makes his situation even worse is that the blood exchange plan led by Barcelona sports director Deko is in full swing. The club is close to signing young goalkeeper Garcia, who is in the same city rival Espanyol. It is reported that Deco sees Garcia as a new goal in the future and clearly believes that Ter Stegen is no longer part of the team's long-term plan and is actively operating its departure.

However, there is great resistance to negotiations. The Daily Sports News pointed out that Ter Stegen was extremely dissatisfied with the club's recent actions, including rumors of a disagreement with coach Flick, and believed that this was a direct attack on his professional character. He firmly refused to give up his main position, and had no intention of reducing his salary or termination of the contract during the contract period. This long-term contract has become the core bargaining chip in his game with the club.

In order to put pressure on Ter Stegen, Barcelona may play the "World Cup card". According to reports, the club may clearly inform the players that if he insists on staying in the team, he will become a substitute goalkeeper in the new season. This is undoubtedly a heavy blow to Ter Stegen, who is determined to represent the German team in the 2026 US, Canada and Mexico World Cup. The long-term lack of first-team competition will greatly weaken its national team's competitiveness.

German national team coach Nagelsmann expressed concern about this matter. In a recent interview, he admitted: "Considering Ter Stegen's past, I hope he can clarify his future as soon as possible. This is very important to him." Nashuai also said: "The current information comes from the media, and it is difficult to tell the authenticity. Ter Stegen can try to remain calm, but as a human being, such things will inevitably cause trouble."