The relationship between Ter Stegen and Barcelona has reached a dead end. This is how things appeared to be after the German goalkeeper announced he was undergoing back surgery, which simultaneously banned the Catalan club from registering new players.
Ter Stegen was removed from Barcelona’s plans for the new season and was informed by coach Hansi Flick. However, he still feels betrayed by the management because of the way the matter was handled, the way the news was leaked to the media, and the constant attacks he has been subjected to over the past three months.
Ter Stegen has not participated in any group training with Barcelona since returning on July 13 due to back pain. The club urged him to undergo surgery, a decision the goalkeeper supported and announced in an official statement on Thursday.
Barcelona had hoped to exploit La Liga regulations, which allow the registration of a player in place of Ter Stegen if he is absent for up to four months, by registering Marcus Rashford or Juan Garcia. However, the 33-year-old completely dashed these hopes.
Ter Stegen announced in his statement that he would only be absent for three months, meaning no one else could be registered in his place. Catalan media viewed this announcement as a clear challenge from the player to Barça’s management and a message that he was staying and would implement his plans. It is unusual for a player to specify the length of his absence and announce it personally to the fans.
Barcelona now needs a precise medical report proving that Ter Stegen requires a longer absence, otherwise it will have to find another way to register one of the new signings before mid-August.
The Catalan club no longer has many options to pressure Ter Stegen. The goalkeeper will be out until at least November, and no club will attempt to sign him due to his injury. Even the threat of a bench position will prove futile. Thus, the German will continue to receive his hefty salary and rebel against Joan Laporta’s management as he pleases.
It’s worth noting that Ter Stegen has stipulated that Barcelona must fully settle his contract, which runs until the summer of 2028, in order to leave immediately. This would mean receiving more than €40 million. It’s expected that he will leave Camp Nou next January to avoid missing out on the 2026 World Cup, but it’s likely he’ll be on loan, with the player returning after the tournament to continue earning his hefty salary.
