Barca loan goalkeeper Ter Stegen to Girona until end of season

FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has joined Girona on loan until the end of the current season, the La Liga club announced on Tuesday, reported Xinhua.

"FC Barcelona has reached an agreement with Girona FC for the loan of Marc ter Stegen until 30 June 2026," Barcelona confirmed on its official website and social media channels.

The 33-year-old moves after losing his place in Barcelona's first team to summer signing Joan Garcia. He also needs a back operation in the summer, while a serious knee injury last season limited him to just a handful of appearances.

Ter Stegen's departure appeared closer last week when he was left out of the Copa del Rey squad that won 2-0 away to Racing Santander, with Garcia starting and Wojciech Szczesny on the substitutes' bench. He was also omitted from the squad for the weekend trip to San Sebastian and Wednesday's Champions League tie away to Slavia Prague.

With the World Cup finals this summer, Ter Stegen needs regular playing time to strengthen his case for Germany's squad, and is expected to compete with Paul Gazzaniga for Girona's starting spot.

Ter Stegen joined Barcelona from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014 and has made 423 appearances for the club, winning six La Liga titles, six Copa del Rey titles, one Champions League and one Spanish and European Super Cup title.

Girona completed the loan signing of attacking midfielder Claudio Echevarri from Manchester City on Sunday.