Barcelona sporting director Deco has dismissed speculation linking captain Marc-André ter Stegen with a potential January exit, insisting the German goalkeeper remains a central figure at the club.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Deco clarified that there is no plan for Ter Stegen to leave midway through the season despite the recent arrival of Joan García from Espanyol. “There’s no January plan around Ter Stegen exit. If he was fit, he’d probably be playing – he’s our captain,” Deco said.
The 32-year-old shot-stopper has been sidelined in recent weeks due to injury, sparking questions over whether Barcelona were preparing for life without him. However, Deco stressed that García’s signing was made with a long-term vision in mind rather than as a replacement for Ter Stegen.
“Joan García was about present and future. Signing him wasn’t ‘against’ Ter Stegen; it was smart planning,” he added.
