The decision by the Barça goalkeeper was accelerated by his absence in the Copa del Rey round of 16 match at the Sardinero against Racing de Santander. This benching, after having played against Guadalajara, was the definitive signal Ter Stegen needed to understand that the only way to secure his participation in the World Cup was to go out on loan.

The agreement with Girona is pending final signature, but the destination is confirmed. The Montilivi club will assume 10% of the player's salary remaining until June, an amount that will not reach one million euros, while Barça will cover the remaining 90%.

This arrival could mean that today's derby between Espanyol and Girona at the RCDE Stadium will be Paulo Gazzaniga's last match as a starter. The Girona coach, Míchel, has expressed his satisfaction with the incorporation of the German goalkeeper, seeking stability in goal after a first half of the league marked by instability and errors by Gazzaniga and the failed bet on Dominik Livakovic.