The German needed regular playing time to remain Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the World Cup. At Barça, he had lost his place following the emergence of Joan García and the club’s faith in Szczesny. With no other option, the former Barça captain had to leave the club, at least temporarily.
After weeks of negotiations, and despite Ter Stegen’s initial reluctance to join a team fighting to avoid relegation, the prospect of the major summer tournament ultimately convinced him to accept the loan move.
Girona’s assessment
"Ter Stegen is seen as a modern, well-rounded goalkeeper with a great ability to adapt to different playing styles. He stands out for his excellent footwork, which is crucial for teams that like to build from the back, as well as his quick reflexes and composure in close-range situations. He also boasts strong positioning in the box, reliability in the air, and impressive tactical awareness, allowing him to anticipate opponents’ attacking moves. His personality and leadership are also valuable assets, helping to organize and instill confidence in the defensive line," his new club highlighted about their new keeper.
Barça, meanwhile, recalled that "he has guarded the Barça goal for eleven and a half seasons", making 423 appearances—the second-most for a goalkeeper in the club’s history, behind Víctor Valdés. During his time at the club, he won six La Liga titles, six Copas del Rey, one Champions League, five Spanish Super Cups, one UEFA Super Cup, and a Club World Cup.
However, Barça has not managed to offload his entire salary, as they will still be responsible for a large portion of it, which will only slightly reduce their wage bill for La Liga.