Ter Stegen leaves for Girona but Barca has a 'fear clause' inserted

With four wins in their last five La Liga rounds, Girona have significantly improved their situation and moved away from the danger zone, and considering the work they are doing in the winter transfer window, don’t be surprised if they join the fight for Europe in the spring. After Manchester City’s Claudio Echeverri, the Catalan side have now also loaned Marc-Andre ter Stegen until the end of the season.

Barcelona, with great effort, managed to “push out” their captain, and in his absence the armband will be worn by Ronald Araujo. Admittedly, Barcelona have removed Ter Stegen from the dressing room, but they will very much continue to feel the burden of his salary over the next six months. From his departure, they have saved almost nothing. Although the initial reports claimed Barca’s budget would be lighter by 20 percent of Ter Stegen’s wages over the next half-year, according to the latest information from Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants will cover as much as 90 percent of his salary.

Ter Stegen is back, but could shortly leave for good

Girona will therefore receive a goalkeeper of top quality for a very small sum, although they will not be able to count on him against Barcelona on February 15. According to The Athletic, Barca included a so-called “fear clause” in the agreement—a clause ensuring that a player who remains on their payroll cannot jeopardize the sporting interests of the club paying his wages, or in this case, the majority of them. Girona do have the option to activate that clause for 300,000 euros, but the outlet writes that it is unlikely to happen.

No way, bro! Young prodigy Dro leaves Barca as Flick draws the line and sends a powerful message

And although he is leaving the club for just six months and still has a valid contract with Barcelona until June 2028, Ter Stegen, according to Mundo Deportivo, cried during his farewell to his teammates, and via social media left a message that sounded like a permanent goodbye to the reigning Spanish champions:

“Today is my last day this season with my teammates and the Barcelona staff, and I truly have mixed emotions. So many memories and emotions are running through me right now. For almost 12 years, this club, and especially this dressing room, has been my home—a place where I grew as a player and as a person, and where I experienced unforgettable moments. I feel deep gratitude and pride. I love this club, this city, and this region. They carry a feeling within me that will never fade. Your support over all these years has been incredible—thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To the dressing room: thank you for so many years spent together, for the everyday life, laughter, battles, and respect. I carry you all with me. It was a huge honor to wear the captain’s armband, something I will carry with me forever. Now my journey continues in Catalonia, and I truly look forward to what lies ahead. I wish you all the best and hope to see many more trophies lifted” Ter Stegen wrote.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 7

Wednesday

20.45: (3.50) Galatasaray (3.50) Atl.Madrid (2.05)

20.45: (3.15) Qarabag (3.50) Eintr.Frankfurt (2.20)

23.00: (1.90) Atalanta (3.50) Ath.Bilbao (4.20)

23.00: (1.12) Bayern (12.0) St.Gilloise (19.0)

23.00: (1.15) Chelsea (9.50) Paphos (19.0)

23.00: (1.82) Juventus (3.50) Benfica (4.50)

23.00: (1.48) Newcastle (4.40) PSV (6.75)

23.00: (3.90) Olympique Marseille (3.50) Liverpool (1.95)

23.00: (8.00) Slavia Praha (5.75) Barcelona (1.33)

***odds are subject to change***