Marc-André Ter Stegen has left his Barcelona future open after saying he has had no recent contact with Hansi Flick. Speaking to SPORT1, the goalkeeper said he still has a close relationship with the club and cannot say what will happen next summer.
Flick contact and the Barcelona door
Ter Stegen's wording was plain enough. "I have not had any contact with Hansi lately," he said, adding that he played in Barcelona for twelve years and still has "a very close relationship with the club." He also said, "We are only in November, so I still cannot say what will happen next summer."
That leaves his situation in a holding pattern rather than a closed case. His Barcelona contract runs until 2028, and the loan to Ajax lasts one season, so nothing about the deal itself forces an immediate decision.
Ajax minutes and the Germany backdrop
The loan has not been a spectator's stint. Ter Stegen has made 16 appearances for Ajax and kept four clean sheets, with a 6.76 season rating that suggests steady form rather than a player waiting for months to pass. He has also shown up in a strong Ajax spell, including a 6.9 rating in the 6-1 win at FC Midtjylland.
The old Germany debate still sits behind the interview. Ter Stegen said Germany coach Hansi Flick is not in regular touch with him, and he also used his interview with Estadio Deportivo to praise Manuel Neuer, saying he is "probably one of the best goalkeepers of all time." He added that there were moments when he felt he deserved more opportunities.
The key point is still the same one from November. Ter Stegen is not closing the Barcelona door, and he is not opening a new one either, with his next summer decision still unresolved.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
