Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has emerged as a shock loan target for Manchester United ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports from Spain.

The 33-year-old German shot-stopper underwent back surgery earlier in the summer and is not expected to return to full training until late November.

With Barcelona having signed Joan Garcia, who has quickly impressed under Hansi Flick, ter Stegen’s long-term position at Camp Nou appears increasingly uncertain.

Germany’s number one faces uncertain club future

Ter Stegen remains Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper when fit, and national team boss Julian Nagelsmann reportedly wants him playing regularly in the build-up to the World Cup.

However, Barcelona’s internal reshuffle has complicated that plan.

Sport claim that the Catalan club now view Garcia as their preferred starter for both La Liga and Champions League fixtures, leaving ter Stegen’s role reduced once the younger Spaniard returns from a minor injury.

Despite being described by teammate Frenkie de Jong as a “world-class player,” ter Stegen may have to wait until early 2026 for consistent game time if he stays in Spain — a prospect that could force a temporary move.

Why Manchester United are being linked with Ter Stegen

Manchester United’s name has been mentioned as a potential destination, though the link appears tenuous.

The club recently signed 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, and he made a strong debut against Sunderland, keeping a clean sheet.

Manager Ruben Amorim has full faith in Lammens and reportedly views him as a long-term number one who could become “the world’s best goalkeeper in three years.”

Altay Bayindir continues to serve as the experienced backup option, meaning there is little room — or need — for another high-profile goalkeeper.

Given ter Stegen’s stature, it is unlikely he would accept a supporting role, making a United switch improbable.

Agent-driven speculation or genuine opportunity?

Sources close to the situation suggest the rumours of a Premier League move are primarily agent-driven, intended to test interest across Europe.

Several Bundesliga sides are said to be monitoring the situation closely, and a temporary return to Germany is seen as a more realistic option if ter Stegen decides to leave Barcelona in January.

For now, the veteran keeper’s focus will be on recovery and reclaiming his spot at Camp Nou.

But with Garcia’s rapid rise and Barcelona’s long-term rebuild underway, ter Stegen could soon find himself at a crossroads — one that might take him away from Spain for the first time in nearly a decade.