Worry for Barcelona captain as Turkish giants start exploring alternative transfer targets | Barca Universal

"Barcelona captain Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is moving ever so close to his return after surgery, and the player is expected to return late next month, if not in early 2026. His return to fitness, however, will likely not change anything in Hansi Flick's pecking order, with the manager expected to persist with Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny as his preferred options in goal."

"The Catalans' idea, for a long time, has been to allow the captain to leave in January and thus free up space on the wage bill. While Ter Stegen initially resisted, it now appears that he has come to terms with the reality and understands that he needs regular minutes to make a case for the FIFA World Cup. In recent weeks, Besiktas emerged as a serious candidate to sign the Barcelona veteran, given their need for a new high-level goalkeeper to salvage their season."

"Besiktas have other priorities for the upcoming winter transfer window and are eyeing the signing of Niclas Fullkrug as a new striker. A goalkeeper is also on the agenda, but it remains unclear if it is in their best interest to sign a player on hefty wages on a short-term loan. In recent days, Manchester City's Stefan Ortega has thus emerged as a serious target for the Turkish club, thus moving Ter Stegen away from a potential loan move."

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is approaching a return from surgery and is expected back late next month or possibly in early 2026. Hansi Flick is likely to maintain Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny as first-choice goalkeepers, limiting Ter Stegen's prospects for game time. Barcelona has aimed to enable the captain to depart in January to reduce the wage bill. Ter Stegen initially resisted leaving but now accepts that he needs regular minutes to bolster his case for World Cup selection. Besiktas had been linked as a potential destination but are prioritizing other signings, making a loan move less certain. Barcelona will pursue alternative suitors needing an immediate, high-quality goalkeeper.

Read at Barca Universal