Pep Guardiola is reportedly targeting one of his former protégés as Manchester City’s next long-term goalkeeper: Barcelona’s captain, Marc‑Andre ter Stegen.
City’s Summer Goalkeeping Plan: Ter Stegen to Replace Ederson?
With Ederson’s future at the Etihad still delicate following a trophyless 2024–25 season and high-profile scrutiny at the Club World Cup, City are already exploring contingency plans.
Guardiola’s vision is always clear: agility on the line, precision in distribution, and leadership rooted in quiet authority. That’s why ter Stegen a sweeper-keeper known for his superb ball-playing skills—is a standout fit for Pep’s demands.
Having coached ter Stegen during their shared time in Germany, Guardiola knows the 33-year-old’s strengths intimately.
Barcelona appear to be open to the deal. Ter Stegen has been sidelined this season due to a serious knee injury, and with Espanyol youngster Joan Garcia ready to take over at Camp Nou, Barça are conscious of trimming their wage bill.
However, interest from clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United—and now City faces a key hurdle: ter Stegen’s substantial salary demands, which have narrowed his transfer market options.
Despite that, Guardiola’s incoming director of football, Hugo Viana, appears ready to trim down the City squad including decisions around veteran players like Ederson whose contract runs until 2026.
This summer could well see a goalkeeping reshuffle. Marcus Bettinelli is already in as a backup, and Stefan Ortega has yet to convince as a long-term option.
If City can negotiate a realistic valuation—and perhaps a salary-sharing structure ter Stegen’s experience and composure could make him a transformative signing for the Etihad.
For Guardiola, securing a keeper of ter Stegen’s class would not only address immediate goalkeeping needs, but signal a broader ambition to reinvigorate a side determined to reclaim domestic and European dominance.
