The winter transfer window brings an unexpected move in LaLiga. German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, current captain of Barcelona, ??will play on loan at Girona until the end of the current season, as officially confirmed by both clubs on Tuesday night. Ter Stegen seeks playing time after his injury and loses prominence at Barca. Ter Stegen (1992) has already recovered from the back injury that kept him out during the first part of the season. However, his situation at Barcelona had become complicated: Joan Garcia is Hansi Flick's undisputed starter, which led the German to look for a destination where he could get playing time ahead of the World Cup. The Barca goalkeeper, under contract at Camp Nou until 2028, was even the Catalan goalkeeper's substitute in the recent Copa del Rey match against Racing Santander (0-2), a clear sign of his diminished role in the team. Financial benefit for Barca and an urgent solution for Girona. The deal also has advantages for Barcelona, ??who save part of the German's high salary. Meanwhile, Girona has found a high-level solution following the imminent departure of Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who is looking to leave the club without having made his debut in order to prepare fully for the World Cup. Livakovic's departure should be resolved in the coming hours or days, thus closing a gap in the Catalan team's goalkeeping situation. The big question: Will Ter Stegen be Girona's starter? One of the biggest questions is whether Michel Sanchez will opt for Ter Stegen as the starter or maintain his confidence in Paulo Gazzaniga, who has been Girona's regular goalkeeper. The manager already experienced similar situations last season with Pau Lopez and this season with Livakovic, both on loan and without consistent playing time, which ultimately led to their departures mid-season. Although Gazzaniga was one of the names most criticized during the team's poor first half of the season, His performance has been steadily improving, publicly supported by Michel.

Ter Stegen arrives at Montilivi with experience and international pedigree

The German goalkeeper lands at Montilivi after a season and a half marked by a ruptured patellar tendon and a back injury, with just ten matches played in that period. Even so, he arrives with the backing of 423 appearances for Barcelona since his signing in 2014 from Borussia Monchengladbach. In addition, Ter Stegen has 44 caps for the German national team, and his arrival at Girona is largely due to the need for regular playing time to secure a starting position at next summer's World Cup. Girona's statement and the profile of the new goalkeeper: In its official announcement, Girona states that Ter Stegen is "among the most highly regarded goalkeepers in world football" due to his performance and his trophy haul, which includes a UEFA Champions League title, six La Liga titles, and six Copa del Rey trophies. The club highlights his "excellent footwork," his quick reflexes, and his confidence in one-on-one situations. Furthermore, he describes him as a “modern”, “complete” goalkeeper with “personality” and “leadership”.

Third winter signing for Michel's team

The arrival of Ter Stegen is Girona's third signing in this winter transfer window, following the acquisition of young Argentine striker Claudio Echeverri, on loan from Manchester City, and midfielder Fran Beltran, from Celta Vigo.

With this move, Girona is making a strong commitment to experience and international talent to reinforce its goalkeeping position and face the second half of the season with ambition.