Easing of Barça conflict:
Barcelona FC and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen have reached an agreement, putting an end to the dispute over the sharing of his medical data and injury recovery. The resolution of this conflict has significant implications for Barcelona's roster management, allowing the club to register new players despite ongoing financial restrictions.
Initially, Ter Stegen refused to authorize the club to share his medical report with LaLiga, leading to temporary stripping of his captaincy and his number. However, after discussions, he agreed to authorize the medical report, and LaLiga ruled his back injury as a long-term injury (defined as sidelined for over four months).
Under LaLiga financial fair play regulations, Barcelona can free up salary budget to register new players by placing long-term injured players on an "injury list." This rule was utilized last season. The resolution of the dispute was instrumental because it confirmed Ter Stegen’s injury met the four-month threshold, enabling the registration of goalkeeper Joan García in time for the 2025-26 season opener.
Barcelona is also preparing financial guarantees to register other new signings such as Marcus Rashford, Roony Bardghji, and Gerard Martín. However, the registration of these players is pending additional approvals.
In summary, the dispute centered on sharing medical data and injury length. Once resolved, LaLiga confirmed Ter Stegen’s back injury as long-term, allowing Barcelona to free at least 50% of his salary budget for new player registration. Joan García was registered as a goalkeeper replacement.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann considers Ter Stegen as the number one for Germany, provided he is healthy and the number one in the club. However, García cannot play until he is registered. Barcelona signed García from Espanyol Barcelona for around 25 million euros as their new number one.
Ter Stegen has been reinstated as captain of FC Barcelona with immediate effect. He publicly defended himself in an Instagram statement, expressing his deep affection for the club, city, and fans. Barcelona has dropped the disciplinary proceedings against ter Stegen.
This resolution significantly impacts Barcelona’s roster management, enabling the club to register new goalkeepers and other players while navigating financial challenges. The resolution of the dispute is described as a "truce" that benefits everyone.
The resolution of Ter Stegen's dispute over medical data sharing and injury length enables Barcelona to register Joan García as a replacement goalkeeper ahead of the 2025-26 season opener. Additionally, this truce allows Barcelona to free up salary budget to consider the registrations of Marcus Rashford, Roony Bardghji, and Gerard Martín, although pending further approvals, meticulously managing their sports roster amidst European-leagues financial restrictions.
