Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen could join Manchester United on loan during the January transfer window, according to Sport (page 2).
The Germany international underwent surgery for a back problem earlier this summer, and he is not expected to return to regular training until November.
Ter Stegen is Germany’s number one choice in goal when fully fit, and head coach Julian Nagelsmann wants him playing regularly ahead of the World Cup.
There is no guarantee at Barcelona after the summer acquisition of Joan Garcia, and Ter Stegen could move on loan when the transfer window reopens.
United are said to be interested in the former Borussia Monchengladbach man, and it is claimed that a loan move could be a solution at the turn of the year.
Ter Stegen speculation is purely agent-driven
The 33-year-old is no longer an assured starter for the Catalan giants. Joan Garcia is out with a short-term injury, but he has had a wonderful debut season thus far.
Barcelona have reportedly informed Ter Stegen that Garcia is their number one choice for the La Liga and Champions League matches when fit and ready to play.
Ter Stegen, hailed as a ‘world-class player‘ by Frenkie de Jong, is expected to report for first-team training by late November, but Sport indicate that he may have to wait until January to play again.
Germany are not assured of a World Cup berth through the qualifiers, but they can also qualify for the global tournament through the Nations League play-offs.
Nagelsmann obviously wants his no.1 goalkeeper fit for any situation. A loan move could be on the cards, but it is unlikely that United will put their name into the hat.
The Red Devils have signed a quality young goalkeeper in Senne Lammens from Antwerp. He had the perfect debut against Sunderland last weekend with a clean sheet.
The 23-year-old will continue as the first-choice ahead of Altay Bayindir. Manager Ruben Amorim believes he can become the world’s best goalkeeper in three years.
With Amorim placing his faith in the young Belgian, it makes no sense to pursue a loan deal for Ter Stegen unless he is ready to play second fiddle, which won’t happen.
The speculation appears to be agent-driven. Sport claim that several German clubs are monitoring Ter Stegen. A temporary return to the Bundesliga is a more viable option.
