Marc-André ter Stegen has turned down a proposal from AS Monaco, signaling that, despite FC Barcelona’s openness to parting ways, he is not ready to leave the Catalan club just yet, according to the Spanish press.
Barcelona’s top brass, including new manager Hansi Flick, are undergoing a sweeping reshuffle this summer. The goalkeeping department is no exception. With the arrival of promising shot-stopper Joan García from Espanyol and veteran Wojciech Szczęsny set to sign an extension as a backup, the club now finds itself with an excess of goalkeepers. Both Ter Stegen and Iñaki Peña are being considered for departure.
While Peña is reportedly weighing several offers, Ter Stegen is taking a more cautious approach. Despite no longer being guaranteed the No. 1 role, the German international is hesitant to walk away from the club he joined in 2014. He has reportedly declined Monaco’s offer, even though the Ligue 1 side can offer him a starting spot and UEFA Champions League football next season.
The main motivation behind Barça’s desire to offload Ter Stegen is financial. The 33-year-old’s salary is among the highest in the squad, and club officials believe that moving him on would relieve a significant burden on their wage bill. Although Premier League sides such as Chelsea FC, Manchester United, and Manchester City are reportedly in need of a goalkeeper, no concrete offers have been made thus far.
According to L’Equipe, Monaco’s interest in Ter Stegen emerged alongside advanced negotiations to take Ansu Fati on loan with an option to buy. The Principality club views Ter Stegen’s experience as a valuable asset in their quest to make a deep run in the Champions League. However, the German shot-stopper remains committed to fighting for his place under Flick and has reportedly made it clear that he wants to speak with the coach directly before making any decisions.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are not giving up. Club executives hope that as the summer wears on, Ter Stegen will begin to reassess his stance – especially if he wants to maintain his position with the German national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Without regular playing time, his status with Die Mannschaft could be in jeopardy.
Thus, despite his current refusal, a revived offer from Monaco or another club is not out of the question. With the transfer window still in its early stages, both Barça and Ter Stegen know that the situation remains fluid.
For now, though, the German remains in Barcelona – still determined to compete.
