Germany's recall boosts Ter Stegen's value as Barcelona plot sale
Marc‑André ter Stegen returned to the Germany squad for the Nations League clash with the Netherlands in Amsterdam, his first international appearance since June 2025. The 34‑year‑old goalkeeper, recalled by Jürgen Klopp fifteen months after the German manager’s initial decision, now finds his market value rising just as FC Barcelona prepare to sell him.
Loan to Ajax proved financially modest
Ter Stegen was sent on loan to Ajax in August rather than sold, with the Dutch club agreeing to cover roughly ten percent of his wages. That arrangement removed only about one million euros from Barcelona’s books, a figure highlighted during the club’s recent salary‑cap review.
The loan stalled pre‑season because Barcelona did not want to continue shouldering almost the full salary of a keeper who former national coach Hansi Flick had previously excluded, while Ajax refused to assume a larger share of the cost.
Germany recall changes the selling equation
Klopp named Ter Stegen as Germany’s starting goalkeeper for the September 17 call‑up, describing him as the “first‑choice for the moment” following Manuel Neuer’s retirement. The recall adds to his 44 caps, bringing his total to 44 after Nations League matches against the Netherlands and Greece.
Klopp debut in Amsterdam: Netherlands meets Germany in Nations League live blog
Since tearing his knee tendon in September 2024, Ter Stegen has featured in only twelve official games. Each new appearance for the national team now strengthens Barcelona’s bargaining position, a factor missing when the loan was arranged in August.
Barcelona’s goalkeeper hierarchy is already set for next season: Joan García remains the undisputed starter for Hansi Flick, while Dominik Livakovic, signed on 27 August with a contract until 2030, is poised to become the backup after Wojciech Szczęsny’s deal expires in 2027.
Klopp expects a smooth debut against the Netherlands
With no place for a third keeper, Barcelona intend to capitalise on the summer window while Ter Stegen completes a full season at Ajax and showcases his abilities on the international stage.