Ter Stegen is taking center stage this summer at FC Barcelona. The club made it clear that they did not want him, and given his refusal to leave, another option has emerged on the horizon that would suit the Azulgranas well. The player has a back injury that could be resolved with surgery, which would keep him out of action for several months and allow the Azulgrana to sign Joan García. This week will be key in the player’s final decision.
On the sidelines as work resumes
Barcelona has already had an intense first week of work with ten training sessions and is now finishing up its last few days in Barcelona before heading off on its Asian tour. On his return to work, the spotlight was on Ter Stegen, who has been sidelined from the group all week. Beyond the fact that he is not in the club’s plans, his absence is due to a physical problem with his back, which he had surgery on in 2023 and which could now be “the solution” to Barcelona’s problems.
In addition to his physical problems, the player’s return to work has been marked by Hansi Flick’s conversation with him a few days before the official start of the preseason. There, the German coach made it clear to his compatriot that he is not in the plans and will not get any playing time, as he is behind newcomer Joan García and the re-signed Szczesny.
Despite this decision by the club, the player has always been firm in his intention to stay at Barcelona and fight for his place. He has had offers to leave the club, but has not accepted any so far, and the decision could be postponed until January as he is considering undergoing an operation that would keep him out of action for several months.
Ter Stegen considers undergoing surgery
Ter Stegen already underwent surgery in 2023 for lower back problems that kept him out for three months. He continues to suffer from back problems that have prevented him from training with the team and are causing him to seriously consider undergoing surgery.
This week will be key in making the final decision. If he does undergo surgery, the decision would keep him off the pitch for at least four months, which would open up a possible solution for Barcelona’s fair play situation. What is considered a certainty is that the Barça captain will not be part of the squad that leaves for the Asian tour on Thursday.
Barça would benefit from this decision
If this decision is made, the German goalkeeper could be out for a considerable amount of time, around four months, which would help Barça’s fair play, as they would not have to register the goalkeeper due to injury and would free up a significant amount of their wage bill. The German’s gross salary exceeds $15 million per season. According to Article 77 of the regulations for drawing up budgets, Barça would be able to release 80% of Ter Stegen’s salary. This would be enough to register Joan García.