I don't see a reason for him accepting this setup another year, unless he gets guarantees that he'll be the 1st choice GK in all three competitions in 2017. I bet you wouldn't either unless you got no ambition whatsoever.
I sure as hell wouldn't sit on my ass and wait if it's harming my potential. A GK like ter Stegen can easily play for just a prestigious club like Barca a few years forward if he sacrifices a bit of time to play regularly and hone his skills.
Several things.
1. For good or for worse, this setup, while he's not evolving in leaps and bounds, has helped in his development. He's better now than he was when he came. So, there is progress for him, even in this more of a part-time role for the time being. He should accept that at the moment, and try to make an impression if an opportunity arises in the league. If say Bravo gets injured again and he steps in, I want to see him giving confidence to the team. Not being one more problem in defence for us to handle.
2. There is no opening for him to make an immediate step to a team close to Barca's value. Bayern would be ideal for him, but they have Neuer. And Neuer will be their starting keeper for 5 more years or even more probably, following Kahn's footsteps. Suddenly, his options get limited, because going from Barca to play for an EL team like Liverpool or some other club is not going to bring him anything except more games. It's important to play more, but it's even more important what kind of games are you playing. Can you experience CL finals at Liverpool for example, anytime soon? Doubt it. That wouldn't be a step back. It would be something like 3-4 steps back.
I think people don't appreciate enough what high-level games Stegen is playing. It's the CL, pinnacle of club football. Bravo may have more games under his belt, but Stegen's playing the more important ones, the mighty decisive duels. He should value that more.
If I would be in his shoes, I would absolutely never leave a team like Barca. He'll be nuts to do it. He's the guaranteed no1 keeper of this team two years down the line if he continues like this. All he has to do is be smart and wait for his chance to be the no1.
Basically, do what Thiago didn't. Wait for his shot. It's not going to be gifted to him, that's for sure.
