Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen undergoes back surgery
Marc-André Ter Stegen, the long-standing goalkeeper of FC Barcelona and Germany's number one, is facing an uncertain future after undergoing a second back surgery. The surgery, performed by Dr. Amélie Léglise at the Bordeaux Mérignac Sports Clinic, is expected to keep him sidelined for at least four months[1][4][5].
The surgery comes at a crucial time for Ter Stegen, as his recovery status will significantly impact his playing time at Barcelona and his standing as Germany's starting goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. Ter Stegen's future at Barcelona is uncertain and tense, with the club having signed Joan García as a potential long-term replacement and speculation that they may look to offload Ter Stegen to comply with La Liga's financial fair play rules and manage wages[2][4].
However, Ter Stegen reportedly has significant leverage—he can veto Barcelona's attempt to register García under the emergency injury rule during his absence, complicating the club's plans[2][4]. Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann has publicly stated that Ter Stegen could remain Germany's number one goalkeeper if he returns as Barcelona's starter, emphasizing the necessity of regular club playing time[1][5].
However, if Ter Stegen fails to reclaim his spot at Barcelona, his starting role in the national team could be jeopardized. Ter Stegen's situation with Barcelona appears strained, with reports of disagreements over his surgery announcement and the club's push to replace him. Ter Stegen, after a decade at Barcelona and a salary deferral during the COVID-19 pandemic, is reportedly resistant to being forced out, making negotiations and transfer market prospects highly uncertain for now[2][3].
Ter Stegen's injury problems are not new. Since mid-July, he had only been able to train on the fringes of the squad, mainly in the gym, due to persistent back problems[6]. Despite this, several top clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United, FC Chelsea, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus Turin, Galatasaray Istanbul, and AS Monaco, have shown interest in Ter Stegen[7]. However, the surgery makes a transfer highly unlikely, as few clubs would spend a lot of money to wait for a recovery until winter[8].
Legendary goalkeeper Sepp Maier suggested a return of Manuel Neuer as the best solution for the national team, but it remains to be seen if National coach Julian Nagelsmann will be successful in trying to convince Bayern's Manuel Neuer to return[9]. In the meantime, Ter Stegen's future in the national team is uncertain, about ten and a half months before the World Cup.
In summary, after his second back surgery, Ter Stegen's transfer market prospects remain unclear but appear limited in the short term due to his recovery timeline, contractual leverage, and complex relationship with Barcelona. His ability to regain a starting position at the club will be pivotal for both his career and international future.
Sports and football are likely to be on hold for Ter Stegen, as his recovery from a second back surgery might impact his playing time at FC Barcelona, potentially affecting his position as Germany's starting goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. Despite interest from top clubs, the surgery makes a transfer highly improbable due to the prolonged recovery time.
