Deco's confession about Ter Stegen sparks an earthquake at FC Barcelona

Deco doesn't usually speak much publicly, but when he does, he doesn't disappoint. He always appears sincere before the media, very confident in what he says and with very clear ideas, without his voice trembling when faced with the most challenging questions. In this sense, the interview he gave to the colleagues at Cadena SER produced truly forceful headlines, especially regarding Ter Stegen's future.

To begin with, Deco spoke about FC Barcelona's return to Camp Nou. The sporting director explained that "there's no comparison, just the fact that it's closer, the players feel more support from the fans, everyone wanted to come back". His words reflect the importance of the new stadium for a team that, for months, has lived far from its identity and now feels renewed energy in every match.

However, the highlight of his appearance had nothing to do with Camp Nou, but with a specific name: Ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper remains sidelined after his back surgery and his return still doesn't have an exact date. In addition, the impressive emergence of Joan García, who has already become the undisputed starter, has completely changed the scenario the German had imagined for this season.

Ter Stegen, protagonist

On a sporting level, Flick has no doubts: Joan García has earned the starting spot through superb performances. His confidence, his reflexes, and his ability to command the box have given the team a leap in quality. Ter Stegen, meanwhile, watches as the position he has defended for almost a decade already has an owner; and it doesn't seem like he's going to get it back.

The problem is that time is working against him: the World Cup is just around the corner and Ter Stegen needs to play in order to be drafted by the German national team. In this context, every week that passes without him taking the field makes his chances fade away. This is where Deco delivered the phrase that seals his future.

"When he's available to play, he'll look for opportunities to play", stated the sporting director, hinting that Ter Stegen himself already assumes his future may be far from Barça. It wasn't an improvised phrase or an ambiguous comment. It sounded like a direct message, a warning to the locker room, and a statement of intent ahead of the winter transfer window.

Ter Stegen's departure takes shape

At the club, they're beginning to seriously consider a departure in January if a convincing offer arrives. Ter Stegen has a market, especially in the Premier League and the Bundesliga, so his departure seems only a matter of time. What just a few months ago seemed unthinkable now appears as a very real scenario.

In this sense, even though he hasn't confirmed it directly, Deco's confession opens a new chapter in FC Barcelona's goal. Joan García is consolidating himself as the present and the future, while Ter Stegen, a recent club legend, seems to be approaching the end of his time.