Barça and ter Stegen rekindle their friendship unexpectedly - Barcelona and Ter Stegen reunite unexpectedly.
Barcelona's Ter Stegen Sidelined with Long-Term Injury, Paving Way for New Goalkeeper
Marc-André ter Stegen, the German national goalkeeper, is currently recovering from a lower-back injury that required surgery on July 29, 2025. The injury has been officially classified as a long-term injury by La Liga’s Medical Committee, allowing Barcelona to register backup goalkeeper Joan García and manage their salary cap more flexibly [1][4].
The long-term injury status has raised questions about Ter Stegen's future at the club. Earlier this year, there was a dispute between Ter Stegen and FC Barcelona over his injury disclosure, which led to the temporary stripping of his captaincy [2]. However, following his agreement to share his medical information with La Liga, Ter Stegen was reinstated as captain [5].
Barcelona have indicated that Ter Stegen may no longer be the first-choice goalkeeper, with the club open to him exploring a move elsewhere [1][3]. This change in stance comes after the signing of Joan García from Espanyol Barcelona for around 25 million euros as their new number one goalkeeper [6].
The Joan Gamper Trophy match against Como 1907 on August 1, 2025, served as an opportunity for Barcelona to introduce their new team to the fans. Despite being sidelined, Ter Stegen gave the traditional captain's speech at the match [3]. The club also helped Ter Stegen prepare for his speech [4].
As Ter Stegen recovers, pressure continues to mount ahead of the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future at Barcelona, Ter Stegen remains officially part of the team while recuperating [2][5].
References:
[1] BBC Sport. (2025). Ter Stegen out for months after Barcelona back surgery. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61650428
[2] Marca. (2025). Ter Stegen reinstated as Barcelona captain after medical data agreement. [online] Available at: https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2025/08/01/61650604/ter-stegen-reinstated-barcelona-captain-after-medical-data-agreement.html
[3] Sky Sports. (2025). Barcelona sign Joan García as Ter Stegen faces lengthy injury lay-off. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11291/12399559/barcelona-sign-joan-garcia-as-ter-stegen-faces-lengthy-injury-lay-off
[4] Goal.com. (2025). Barcelona help Ter Stegen prepare for Joan Gamper Trophy speech. [online] Available at: https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/barcelona-help-ter-stegen-prepare-for-joan-gamper-trophy-speech/blt268080869f9a5e7b
[5] ESPN. (2025). Ter Stegen agrees to forward medical data, Barcelona drop disciplinary procedure. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/soccer/barcelona/story/4545888/ter-stegen-agrees-to-forward-medical-data-barcelona-drop-disciplinary-procedure
[6] AS. (2025). Barcelona sign Joan García from Espanyol for 25m. [online] Available at: https://en.as.com/en/2025/07/29/football/16616502-7635.html
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of Article 93 (2) of the Treaty regarding the European leagues, as the shift in Barcelona's goalkeeping dynamics, with Ter Stegen's injury and the signing of Joan García, is primarily a domestic issue. Moreover, the long-term absence of Ter Stegen, who is recovering from a lower-back injury, may have implications for the German national team, given the upcoming World Cup in North America.
