Marc-André ter Stegen, the 33-year-old German goalkeeper currently at FC Barcelona, has been heavily linked with a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur amid his falling status at the Catalan club.
Marc-André is no longer the undisputed No. 1 at Barcelona (with Joan Garcia taking over as first-choice), and he’s pushing for regular playing time to secure his spot in Germany’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. His contract runs until June 2028, but Barcelona are open to offloading him; ideally on a loan with an option to buy, to ease their financial pressures and reduce his €320,000-per-week wages.
Clearly, there would be a need to adopt a more pragmatic approach to ter Stegen’s salary if he were to come to N17; however, it is also clear that Spurs need a superior option to the man they currently have between the sticks.
TeamTalk say that Spurs have made direct inquiries and approached Barcelona about ter Stegen’s availability, viewing him as a potential upgrade on current starter Guglielmo Vicario (who has been inconsistent with set pieces).
However, insiders suggest Tottenham may prefer to wait until summer 2026 rather than rushing a January deal, to avoid “big headlines” if he doesn’t immediately displace Vicario. A loan-to-buy structure is the most likely format if it happens.
The Boy Hotspur reported recently that the 33-year-old was primed for a January move, and intermediaries were greenlit to explore destinations. Barcelona won’t force him out, but would negotiate if ter Stegen pushed for it.
Why do Spurs need Ter Stegen?
Vicario often hesitates to claim crosses or punches, leaving defenders exposed. Weak in positioning for aerial duels, leading to “at sea” moments.
The Italian struggles with near-post corners and inswinging deliveries; poor at organising the wall or claiming under pressure. He also parries shots weakly into dangerous areas rather than holding or diverting firmly; he flails at crosses he shouldn’t attempt.
Ter Stegen’s elite distribution, shot-stopping, and Premier League adaptability make him a strong fit for Thomas Frank’s system. He’s valued at around €5-8 million by Transfermarkt, making him a bargain for his pedigree (over 400 Barcelona appearances, multiple La Liga titles).
If Vicario falters further, or if ter Stegen’s injury recovery (he’s been sidelined) accelerates, things could heat up fast.