Easing the tension in the conflict involving Barça:
FC Barcelona has announced the registration of Joan García as a replacement goalkeeper for the 2025–26 La Liga season, following Marc-André ter Stegen's long-term injury. Ter Stegen underwent lower-back surgery in late July and is expected to miss over four months, making Joan García the primary goalkeeper available at the start of the season.
The La Liga’s Medical Committee has ruled that Ter Stegen’s injury meets the criteria for a long-term injury, allowing Barcelona to register García to play while Ter Stegen is sidelined. Iñaki Peña remains another option, but he had no preseason playtime and was the only goalkeeper available before García's registration was formalized.
Barcelona signed García from Espanyol Barcelona for around 25 million euros this summer. According to Spain's financial fair play rules, Barcelona can use a portion of Ter Stegen's salary to register García. The resolution of the dispute between Ter Stegen and Barcelona, described as a "truce" by Spanish sports newspaper "Mundo Deportivo," has paved the way for this move.
Ter Stegen, who has been reinstated as captain by Barcelona, spoke out publicly for the first time in two weeks, defending himself on Instagram. He reiterated his affection for the club, the city, and the fans, and his desire to find a common solution. Ter Stegen expressed feelings of being misunderstood and stated that many things said about him were "completely unfounded."
National team coach Julian Nagelsmann recently stated, "In the end, he is our number one," if ter Stegen is healthy and the number one at his club. However, Ter Stegen's sporting situation at Barcelona remains uncertain due to the club not planning to continue with him as their starting goalkeeper.
It's worth noting that García cannot play until he is registered. Iñaki Peña will serve as the backup goalkeeper until then. Ter Stegen faces significant pressure, especially with the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico just a year away. The German goalkeeper will be eager to return to action and regain his spot at both club and international level.
[1] Source: Marca, 1st August 2025. [2] Source: AS, 2nd August 2025. [3] Source: Sport, 3rd August 2025. [5] Source: Diario Sport, 4th August 2025.
During the 2025–26 La Liga season, Barcelona will rely on Joan García as their primary goalkeeper, with Ter Stegen's long-term injury keeping him sidelined. Additionally, García, who was signed from Espanyol Barcelona this summer, will temporarily replace Ter Stegen in the European leagues and Laliga, thanks to the ruling by the La Liga’s Medical Committee on his injury.
