Catalan rivals Girona interested in signing Barcelona skipper Marc-André ter Stegen on loan in the winter transfer window

Ter Stegen seems to be heading towards Catalan rivals Girona. (Image credits – Heute, Licence Details)

Girona are reportedly eyeing a move for FC Barcelona skipper Marc-André ter Stegen in the January transfer window. The Catalan club are considering all opportunities to bring the German goalie.

Ter Stegen has been asked by the Barça management to find a new club in January, as he has been pushed back as the third-choice goalkeeper by Hansi Flick. The 33-year-old wants to feature in the World Cup next year, for which he needs to be the no. 1 choice of the club he's playing for.

As per our reports, Aston Villa were previously interested in signing Ter Stegen but dropped their interest. Catalan rivals Girona now have a clear path to sign the German goalkeeper without any competition.

Both Girona and Ter Stegen do not want a permanent transfer; a loan move is being structured until the end of the season. The Los Albirrojos are fighting in the relegation zone and believe that to save their season, having an experienced goalkeeper like Ter Stegen would help them survive getting demoted.

Coach Michel seemed quite glad when he was asked about links with the Barça skipper.

“He is a top player; everyone would like to have a player like that,” he said. (sic)

He further added, “I would love to have Ter Stegen with us! He is a world-class goalkeeper, of course.” (sic)

Barcelona want to sell the German international permanently, but Girona cannot afford his huge wages, which has prompted both the clubs to settle for a short-term loan move benefitting all the parties involved in the deal.

This deal also depends on La Liga’s financial fair play approval, as reported by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.