Barcelona Star Faces Shock Loan Exit To La Liga Side: Is Saving Wages More Important Than Loyalty?

Girona management are currently cooking up a plan to sign one of the biggest names in La Liga. They want Marc-André ter Stegen. They are looking right at their neighbours in Barcelona to get him.

Girona want to sign FC Barcelona captain Marc-André ter Stegen

The club know that a player of his calibre is a huge financial ask. Still, they seem set on turning over every stone to beef up their squad. A full-on purchase is out of the question because the money just isn’t there. So, the team is looking at a loan instead. For that to work, either Ter Stegen or Barça will have to give up a good chunk of cash.

Girona see the 33-year-old German international as a quick fix for their issues in goal. They are betting his presence alone will steady the defence and bring some much-needed leadership.

The report also says the player is actually open to the move. He needs to be playing every week if the 33-year-old wants to keep his starting spot for Germany in the next World Cup.

Barcelona seem okay with letting him go for a while, but the money is still the big hurdle. Girona simply can’t pay his full salary without some help.

This whole thing rests on two things: Barça agreeing to pay part of his wages, or Ter Stegen taking a pay cut to make the move to the Estadi Montilivi happen. Earlier reports claimed that the Catalan club do not want to force out their captain. Meanwhile, Aston Villa reportedly also initiated their contacts with the German international.

Barcelona should value the player, not the paycheck

STUTTGART, GERMANY – JUNE 08: Marc-Andre ter Stegen of Germany reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2025 third place match between Germany and France at Stuttgart Arena on June 08, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Barcelona need to be smart about this. They have to protect their long-term finances while taking care of a club legend who still has plenty of value on the market. There is no point in leaving a top earner on the bench. Instead, the board should make this loan happen to keep him sharp and match-fit all season long.

If the German international just sits around, his transfer value will go down. The club would also lose their edge when it comes time for a real sale later on. Joan Laporta and Deco ought to work out a deal where they cover some of his pay. They should look at that cost as an investment to keep his price tag high, rather than just throwing money away.

Looking down the road, this move feels like the end of the road for Ter Stegen at Camp Nou. If he walks now, it’s a clear sign that Barcelona are moving on to younger keepers. The clubs will likely find a middle ground on the wages soon. Everyone involved wants this to go through. Girona get a world-class goalie, Barcelona clear some tension in the locker room, and Ter Stegen gets to chase his World Cup dreams.