Softfootball understands that Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has finally put an end to the long-running debate in goal, making it clear that Joan García is now the club’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.
After Barcelona’s recent 2–0 win over Osasuna in La Liga, the manager spoke to the media, as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
Flick confirmed that the hierarchy between the posts has changed, even with club captain Marc-André ter Stegen back from his long spell on the sidelines.
He said:
Hansi Flick on ter Stegen’s future: Marc is an amazing goalkeeper, and we have 3 of them. My words were clear: Joan García is the number 1 goalkeeper, so then we’ll see what happens. Don’t forget that Szczesny is a key player for us, on and off the pitch.
Flick described Ter Stegen as an amazing goalkeeper and praised his years of service to Barcelona, yet insisted that the present and future belong to García.
The 24-year-old, signed from Espanyol during the summer, has earned Flick’s full trust through consistent performances and an ability to play out from the back, which suits the manager’s aggressive, high-pressing style.
Ter Stegen, who has been out since undergoing back surgery in July 2025, is now fully fit. He was part of the Barcelona team that defeated Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, but he was an unused substitute.
However, Flick hinted that this would likely be in a backup role. Behind García, Wojciech Szczęsny currently sits as the experienced deputy after rejoining the club on another season-long loan.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and competition for Germany’s number one shirt still open, speculation is growing that Ter Stegen may look for a January move to secure regular football. Whatever happens next, the message from Barcelona is clear: the era of Joan García has already started.
