"Girona are closing in on the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on loan until the end of the season, sources told ESPN on Friday. Ter Stegen, 33, has been replaced as Barça's No. 1 by Joan García and is keen to play regular football to guarantee his place in Germany's squad at the World Cup this summer. The two clubs are still ironing out the final terms of the loan agreement"
"Ter Stegen has made 423 Barça appearances since signing from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014, winning 17 trophies in that time, but injuries have curtailed his playing time since Flick's appointment in 2024. He missed the majority of last season with a knee injury and the first four months of the current campaign after undergoing back surgery, only returning to fitness in December."
"Sources say the fact that Ter Stegen, who started in the previous round against Guadalajara, was left on the bench for Thursday's Copa del Rey win at Racing Santander proved key to his decision. Girona, which is just 100 km. (62 miles) north of Barcelona, also appeals as it allows him to stay close to his children. Coach Hansi Flick has made it clear in recent weeks that García, a €25 million ($29m) summer signing from Espanyol, is the first choice goalkeeper at the club."
Marc-André ter Stegen is expected to join Girona on loan until season's end to gain regular playing time and strengthen his bid for Germany's World Cup squad. Barcelona has replaced him as first-choice goalkeeper with Joan García, prompting the move. Final loan terms and salary contributions remain under negotiation. Being benched for the Copa del Rey match against Racing Santander influenced the decision. Girona's proximity to Barcelona allows ter Stegen to stay close to his children. Injuries and surgeries limited his playing time after Flick became coach, despite 423 appearances and 17 trophies for Barcelona.
Read at ESPN.com
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