Ter Stegen speaks on his relationship with Flick and his Barcelona future

Ter Stegen, on loan at Ajax from Barcelona until 2028, says he follows Barça's results regularly and hasn't ruled out returning to Camp Nou next summer.

Marc ter Stegen spoke to SportsBild from Germany's Nations League camp ahead of Friday's match against Serbia, discussing his future at Barcelona despite currently being on loan at Ajax.

The goalkeeper confirmed he hasn't had recent contact with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, though he keeps tabs on the club's results and watches their matches when Ajax fixtures don't clash. With Barcelona currently fielding three senior keepers—Joan Garcia, Szczesny (whose contract expires in June), and Livakovic—Ter Stegen left the door open to a return.

"I played at Barcelona for 12 years and have a very close relationship with the club," he said. "It's only November, so I really can't determine what will happen next summer."

Ter Stegen also reflected on his long rivalry with Manuel Neuer for the Germany number one shirt. He acknowledged Neuer as "probably one of the best goalkeepers of all time" and respected the coaching decisions, but admitted there were moments he felt he deserved more opportunities. He cited the 2018 World Cup as his "bitterest moment," when Neuer started despite returning from an eight-month injury.