In Germany, they're already saying what many think about Ter Stegen in Barcelona: 'It's what...'

FC Barcelona has a real "overbooking" in the goalkeeping position. Joan García has established himself as the starter in LaLiga and Champions League, Wojciech Szczesny is a luxury substitute, while Ter Stegen still hasn't managed to convince Hansi Flick to earn minutes.

There are three top-level goalkeepers creating an unsustainable situation for the immediate future.

The big question mark is over the German, who has been undisputed for years, but now seems to have the doors closed.

At 33 years old, the recovery after undergoing surgery at the end of July has marked a turning point in his career. Meanwhile, in Germany, people are already starting to doubt his continuity at the elite level.

Schuster doesn't see a future for Ter Stegen at Barça

Former footballer and coach Bernd Schuster was blunt in a recent interview with "Bild": "If I were him, I would look for a new club in the winter."

The coach, who knows the "culé" idiosyncrasy well after his eight years as a Barça player, assures that the goalkeeper's cycle is over. In addition, he is certain that Hansi Flick won't give him new opportunities.

The reasons are clear. Joan García has made the most of every minute between the posts, and Szczesny will play in Copa del Rey due to the merits he earned last season.

With a recent high injury record, Bernd Schuster believes that the best thing is for Ter Stegen to opt for an ambitious Bundesliga club where he can play regularly.

A contract that complicates the situation

Ter Stegen's future doesn't depend solely on sporting matters. His contract, signed in 2023, includes a deferred salary that reaches €14 million gross per year from the summer of 2025.

This is an unaffordable figure for a third-choice goalkeeper, which is why the Barça board would welcome a departure in the winter transfer window.

In fact, before his surgery, there were clubs interested in signing him, such as Galatasaray, Monaco, Inter, or even Premier League clubs.

However, his prolonged inactivity and the high salary he receives complicate any immediate negotiation. Saudi Arabia has also been mentioned as a possible destination for the German international.

The challenge of keeping the starting spot in Germany

The big risk of staying in Barcelona without playing minutes is losing his status in the national team. Nagelsmann counts on him as the first-choice goalkeeper. However, if he doesn't play regularly, the door could open for Manuel Neuer's return for the 2026 World Cup.

For this reason, Schuster has made it clear that changing teams "is exactly what he needs." In addition, he stated that, "otherwise," he can "easily imagine the coach bringing Neuer back to Germany's goal for the 2026 World Cup."

For now, Ter Stegen is working at Ciutat Esportiva with the hope of returning earlier than expected, perhaps at the end of November.

However, his role at Barça is more compromised than ever, and everything suggests that he will have to make a crucial decision.