Manchester United have reportedly joined the list of clubs showing serious interest in Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen ahead of the January transfer window, according to SPORT.

The German international, who has been sidelined following back surgery, finds himself facing an uncertain future at Camp Nou as Barcelona begin to prioritise Joan García — their 23-year-old rising star who has impressed during Ter Stegen’s absence.

Barcelona’s Goalkeeping Shift

Reports suggest Barcelona have made a firm commitment to García, who will soon return from a brief injury layoff.

The Catalan side no longer view Ter Stegen as an automatic first-choice option, and while the final decision rests with the player, the club is said to be open to facilitating a departure if he wishes to leave.

Should Ter Stegen decide to stay, he will be allowed to compete for his place. However, if he opts to move on, Barcelona are aware of the “significant market” surrounding him, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United all said to have made early enquiries.

A loan deal with an option to buy is understood to be the preferred structure, particularly given the financial flexibility such a deal would offer both parties.

Breakdown in Barcelona Relationship

Tensions between Ter Stegen and Barcelona reportedly worsened during his injury spell.

The club sought to have La Liga’s medical commission label him as a “long-term injury” case, which would have allowed them to temporarily remove his salary from the wage cap and officially register García.

Ter Stegen initially refused to grant his consent, leading to internal friction that hinted at a breakdown in trust.

Though his recovery is now almost complete — with a return expected before the end of November — the situation may have become too strained to repair.

United’s Goalkeeping Conundrum

Manchester United’s own goalkeeping department has seen significant upheaval this year. André Onana lost his starting position following a pre-season injury and was loaned to Trabzonspor after struggling to rediscover form.

Altay Bayındır, once tipped to leave Old Trafford, remains but has come under scrutiny for inconsistent performances.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Belgian keeper Senne Lammens made his first-team debut in the recent 3-1 victory over Sunderland, offering a glimpse of United’s longer-term plans.

Veteran Tom Heaton, who turns 40 this season and is out of contract in June, provides experience but little long-term security.

Bringing in an elite-level, proven leader like Ter Stegen could therefore provide the stability and quality the club’s goalkeeping setup has lacked.

Why Marc-André ter Stegen Fits United’s Profile

With INEOS now shaping United’s sporting strategy, the focus has shifted towards experienced professionals capable of raising standards across the squad.

Ter Stegen — a Champions League winner, long-time Barcelona captain, and German international — fits that profile perfectly.

His ability to play out from the back aligns with the modern, possession-based style United want to develop under Ruben Amorim, while his leadership and elite mentality could help steady a dressing room still in transition.

What Comes Next

Barcelona will reportedly leave the decision in Ter Stegen’s hands once he returns to full fitness.

If he chooses to seek a new challenge, United could find themselves in a strong position to secure his services, though Tottenham and Newcastle remain viable contenders.

For United, it represents an opportunity to add a world-class goalkeeper without committing to a long-term, high-cost deal immediately.

For Ter Stegen, it could mark a fresh start — and a chance to rediscover the spotlight away from the increasingly complicated environment at Camp Nou.