For a long time, goalkeeping management has been a problem at PSG. But the Parisian club seems to have found some stability with Gianluigi Donnarumma. Hans Dieter Flick would like to have the same peace of mind as Luis Enrique. The German coach faces a real headache since he has several specialists in the position under contract. His plan, and that of the management, is to entrust the number 1 position to summer recruit Joan Garcia and the role of understudy, or even competition, to Poland's Wojciech Szczęsny. Iñaki Peña and Marc-André ter Stegen , however, are not part of their plans.
Except that the goalkeepers are still under contract. The former is tied to Culés until June 2026. His departure is more relevant than ever, as his name has been mentioned at Galatasaray. The 26-year-old footballer, who understands that his fate is sealed, wants to stay in Europe. He is looking for a place to settle. For the German, whose contract expires in 2028, the situation is more complex. An undisputed and undisputed goalkeeper before his injury, he has been questioned since his return. The recruitment of Joan Garcia sent a very clear message, as did the desire to keep Szczęsny.
Barça shows him the exit
Flick spoke with his compatriot on Friday. He frankly explained that it would be very difficult for him to play. If he stayed, he would be number 3 in the hierarchy at best. Which would be a significant downgrade. It's a way of making him understand that he has no future in Catalonia and that it would be better for him to look elsewhere. A message heard by Ter Stegen, who nevertheless maintains his position of staying at Barça. Despite everything, his situation is becoming increasingly complex and tense.
For the past two days, he has been working individually, away from the group. Cadena SER reports that Barça insists he is only suffering from a slight physical discomfort and not a more serious problem. This is also a way of letting other clubs know he is fine. Flick and the medical staff have simply listened to the player's feelings, who has stated that he does not yet feel fully recovered to resume team training and does not want to force his return alongside the other goalkeepers.
The Culés are ready to release him but...
The Iberian radio station adds that there is serenity and mutual trust between the player and the club. At least, that's the message Barça wants to convey through its media outlets. Behind the scenes, the tone isn't the same. According to Cadena SER , the atmosphere is tense with the German, who isn't coping well with his situation. The player continues to insist that he wants to stay at Barça, which doesn't necessarily want to enter into conflict with him or force his exit. At the same time, it's also important to register the other two goalkeepers in La Liga so they can work in peace and quiet, rather than in a heavy atmosphere.
For its part, Sport reports that the management will open the door to him if he finally asks to leave. They don't want to make a fuss and will offer him a free exit if, in exchange, he agrees to waive the last three years of his contract and bonuses. Galatasaray has notably checked off the name of the German international, who will now have to decide on his future. Either he stays at Barcelona but plays very little or not at all, or he leaves and puts all the chances on his side to play in the 2026 World Cup as a starter. The ball is in his court.
0 Comments