The captain who no longer feels untouchable

FC Barcelona's preseason has kicked off… and all eyes are on Marc-André ter Stegen. The 33-year-old German goalkeeper has trained away from the group for the second day in a row, citing back discomfort. But behind the official explanation, there’s an unmistakable sense of unease: for the first time in years, his starting spot is no longer guaranteed.

The arrival of Joan García, formerly of Espanyol and a signing requested by Hansi Flick, has shaken things up. The German manager reportedly told Ter Stegen that the 24-year-old is in his plans to be a possible starter this season—something that didn’t sit well with the veteran. While the Barça captain hasn’t publicly hinted at a departure… the signs are piling up.

Training alone... a sign of what's to come?

While most of the squad continues with the intense sessions planned by Flick’s staff, Ter Stegen remains in the gym, apart from the rest. Officially due to physical issues, but the timing—just as competition heats up—raises plenty of questions.

Joan García, Wojciech Szczęsny, and Iñaki Peña are all training at Ciutat Esportiva, and the crowded goalkeeping group inevitably sparks speculation about a potential exit. The club, eager to ease its wage bill, might be open to a transfer if the German chooses not to compete for the role.

Is an era in goal coming to an end?

Ter Stegen has been a cornerstone at Barça since 2014—champion, leader, icon. But Flick’s new cycle brings change, and no one’s place is guaranteed. While the keeper insists he wants to stay, the club knows that words aren’t enough.

If the German can’t regain full fitness or adapt to the new challenge, his future with the Catalan giants may be in jeopardy. Are we witnessing Ter Stegen’s final chapter at Barça?