Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen assumes captaincy role once more, following submission of LaLiga medical clearance.
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In a significant development for Barcelona, Marc-André ter Stegen has successfully undergone back surgery in late July 2025 and is currently in the recovery phase. The club initially anticipated a recovery period of around four months, which could free up approximately 80% of his salary cap space under Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules for registering new players.
However, Ter Stegen initially projected a three-month recovery, expressing concerns that the longer timeline might impact his role in the squad. This disagreement led to a temporary stripping of his captaincy due to a dispute over sharing his medical data with La Liga, a necessary step for registering new signings under salary cap regulations.
The goalkeeper later authorised the release of his medical information, resolving the conflict, and was reinstated as captain in early August 2025. This resolution enabled Barcelona to submit the medical report to La Liga’s Medical Committee for review. If approved, the club can use a significant portion of ter Stegen’s salary cap space as an injury exemption to register other players while complying with La Liga’s stringent FFP and salary limits.
Barcelona have been proactive in addressing their financial situation, also securing the signing of Joan Garcia from Espanyol and the loan of Marcus Rashford. However, both Garcia and Rashford are yet to be registered for the new LaLiga season starting August 15, pending the outcome of Ter Stegen's case.
The controversy surrounding Ter Stegen's registration highlights Barcelona's ongoing financial struggles. LaLiga rules require a player to remain out of action for at least four months to be considered a long-term injury, and Ter Stegen's medical report was necessary for Barcelona to comply with La Liga's FFP rules.
Despite the challenges, ter Stegen has been reinstated as first-team captain by Barcelona, demonstrating the club's commitment to their key player. The goalkeeper, in turn, insists he has always kept club officials informed about his treatment and rehabilitation, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
As the transfer window progresses, Barcelona will continue to navigate these financial complexities, aiming to strengthen their squad while adhering to the stringent regulations of La Liga's Financial Fair Play rules.
[1] Barcelona to Benefit from Ter Stegen's Injury Exemption, La Liga FFP Rules (Source: BBC Sport) [2] Ter Stegen Stripped of Captaincy over Dispute with Barcelona Management (Source: Goal.com) [3] Ter Stegen's Recovery Timeline and Barcelona's Salary Cap Strategies (Source: ESPN FC) [4] Barcelona Reinstate Ter Stegen as Captain after Medical Data Dispute Resolution (Source: Sky Sports) [5] Barcelona Secure Signings of Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford (Source: AS)
- Despite the controversy and disagreements over his recovery timeline, Ter Stegen's injury could potentially free up a significant portion of Barcelona's salary cap space for new football signings, as a result of the long-term injury exemption under Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
- Barcelona's ongoing financial struggles are reflected in their current predicament with Ter Stegen, where La Liga rules require a player to be out for at least four months to be considered a long-term injury, enabling the club to comply with FFP rules and register new sports talents like Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford.
