Manchester United and Chelsea Battle to Sign Ter Stegen Amid Conflict with Barcelona

A new transfer saga is heating up as Manchester United and Chelsea go head-to-head in the race to sign Marc-André ter Stegen, following the German goalkeeper’s growing rift with FC Barcelona.

The interest from the two Premier League giants has intensified after Barcelona officially signed Joan Garcia from Espanyol for €25 million. This move is widely seen as a clear signal that Ter Stegen’s time at Camp Nou is nearing its end, with Barça now focused on building a long-term project around Spain's promising goalkeeper.

Prior to finalizing the deal for Garcia, Barcelona had already made public its intention to part ways with Ter Stegen. The club reportedly proposed a contract termination with a severance pay equivalent to one year’s salary. However, they are now hoping to secure a transfer offer to ease their wage bill.

Spanish media confirm that both Manchester United and Chelsea are actively pursuing Ter Stegen, aiming to bring the experienced shot-stopper to the Premier League for the 2025/26 season.

Manchester United’s Goalkeeping Dilemma

At Old Trafford, the need for a new number one is urgent. Despite high expectations, Andre Onana has failed to convince, with a string of costly errors undermining his role. United's hierarchy is now seeking a veteran goalkeeper with composure, experience, and leadership—qualities that Ter Stegen embodies perfectly.

Chelsea’s Quiet Pursuit Behind the Scenes

Meanwhile, Chelsea had initially set their sights on Mike Maignan, but negotiations stalled after AC Milan’s valuation exceeded Chelsea’s budget. Although coach Enzo Maresca has publicly backed Robert Sanchez as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, internal sources suggest that the Blues are still actively exploring upgrades, particularly ahead of their campaign in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Transfer Value & Contract Talks

What makes Ter Stegen an even more attractive option is his relatively low transfer fee—a reflection of Barcelona’s eagerness to offload his wages. However, both Premier League clubs are currently locked in discussions over the German keeper’s salary package, aiming to strike a balance between affordability and appeal.

At 33 years old, Ter Stegen still has several strong years left at the highest level. For clubs like United and Chelsea, his arrival could provide much-needed stability and assurance between the posts—something both sides sorely lacked last season.

What’s Next?

As the summer transfer window unfolds, all eyes are on Ter Stegen’s next move. Will he become the latest big name to join the Premier League? Or will Barcelona manage to negotiate a late twist?

One thing is clear: the battle for Ter Stegen is on, and neither Manchester United nor Chelsea is backing down.