Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been told he needs to be playing regular football if he wants to represent Germany and be their number one choice at the 2026 World Cup.
Ter Stegen is back to full fitness after a long spell out due to injury and made his first appearance of the season in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey win over Guadalajara.
However, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick made it clear that Ter Stegen was only back for that one match, and it’s currently unclear what will happen next with the goalkeeper.
Marc Andre Ter Stegen in action during the Copa del Rey match between CD Guadalajara and FC Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Germany sporting director Rudi Voller has now been talking about the situation and has sent a clear message to Ter Stegen.
”It doesn’t matter if he stays at Barcelona or goes somewhere else, in the end he has to play,” he told Kicker.
“And then we’ll all be happy for him if, after many years as a world-class goalkeeper in Manuel Neuer ‘s shadow, he gets the chance to be between the posts at a World Cup.”
Ter Stegen is reportedly considering leaving Barcelona in January as he aims to get more playing time in a new environment. Premier League side Aston Villa are reportedly interested in his service but face a stiff competition from clubs in Turkey.
