"Ter Stegen out finally", "Means more than a trophy" - Barcelona fans react as club reportedly agree deal to sign new goalkeeper

Mixed reactions poured in from fans on social media after reports emerged that Barcelona had reached an agreement in principle with Espanyol to sign goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The Spaniard has been on Barca’s books since the turn of the year following his impact in goal with Los Blanquiazules.

While Espanyol finished the 2024-25 LaLiga season in 14th position, Garcia made the most saves (145), with an impressive 73.71% save percentage. A recent report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed Barcelona are set to trigger the €25 million release clause on the goalkeeper’s deal with Espanyol.

Meanwhile, Garcia’s potential arrival at Camp Nou could result in the departure of Marc-André ter Stegen. The Blaugrana lost the German shot-stopper to injury in October, and goalkeepers Inaki Pena and Wojciech Szczesny deputized in his absence.

After Ter Stegen returned from injury, Spanish publication Sport reported that his relationship with manager Hansi Flick went sour. It was believed that Flick wasn’t happy with his attitude after he returned from injury.

Now, the latest report, as per Romano, is that Joan Garcia is on the verge of completing a move to Barcelona, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal. The report adds that the LaLiga champions will pay his release clause in the next few days, as all the required documents are now ready.

The report, however, elicited mixed reactions from a section of fans on social media.

An X user wrote:

"Yes yes yes. TerStergen OUT finally!!!"

Another tweeted:

" Lets goo finally we have a new good goalkeeper."

A netizen said parting ways with the German shotstopper feels like winning a trophy.

"This means more than a trophy," they wrote.

A popular Barcelona fan blog, Managing Barca, was happy with the report, writing:

"Tears in my eyes," followed by a sad and love emoji.

"Finally the end of Ter statue era 😭😭😭🔥," @DavidPattt chimed in.

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Barcelona outcast offered to Manchester United – Reports

Amid reports that Ter Stegen has fallen out with the Barcelona hierarchy, the German shot-stopper has reportedly been offered to a host of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United. The 33-year-old still has three years left on his contract at the Camp Nou, but his future at the club is in serious doubt.

According to TBR Football, Manchester United are among a number of Premier League clubs who have been offered a chance to sign Ter Stegen. The report adds that the out-of-favor shot-stopper is attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League and Turkish side Galatasaray as well.

As per the abovementioned source, Ter Stegen ideally doesn’t want to leave Barca, but his representatives are working to get options for him.