Tensions Resolved as Ter Stegen Signs Consent for LaLiga Submission
FC Barcelona has officially reinstated Marc-André ter Stegen as the club’s first-team captain after resolving a dispute concerning the goalkeeper’s medical data. The conflict emerged when Ter Stegen initially refused to authorize the submission of his post-surgery medical report to LaLiga — a move that led the club to temporarily strip him of the captaincy and consider legal action.
On Friday, however, Barcelona confirmed that Ter Stegen had signed the necessary consent, officially ending the disciplinary matter and restoring his captaincy.
Barcelona Closes Disciplinary Case, Reaffirming Club Unity
Barcelona issued a formal statement:
“The Club announces that the player Marc-André ter Stegen has signed the authorisation necessary for the Club to send La Liga the medical report relating to his surgery. The disciplinary case has been closed and the player is captain of the first team once again with immediate effect.”
Ter Stegen also released a personal statement emphasizing his cooperation and loyalty:
“I am fully willing to collaborate with the Club’s management to resolve this matter and to provide the requested authorisation.”
Injury Timeline and LaLiga Salary Cap Rules
Ter Stegen underwent back surgery earlier this summer and was initially expected to return within three months. However, Barcelona anticipated a longer absence, possibly exceeding four months. This difference was crucial, as LaLiga’s rules allow a club to free up 50% of a player’s salary for registration purposes if sidelined for at least four months.
That potential financial relief raised speculation about Barça’s intentions—especially given their interest in registering new signings like Marcus Rashford. Ter Stegen, however, remained adamant that his recovery would not exceed the three-month timeline confirmed by the medical staff.
Ter Stegen Responds to Public Speculation
Amid mounting speculation and criticism, Ter Stegen issued a direct response:
“In recent weeks, many things have been said about me – some of them entirely unfounded. Therefore, I feel it is necessary to express my version of events respectfully, yet clearly.”
He also dismissed rumors linking his absence to Barça’s transfer activity:
“All of the club’s signings and contract renewals were completed prior to my surgery. At no point could I consider that my unfortunate circumstances with the new surgery would be necessary for the registration of other colleagues.”
Barcelona’s Goalkeeper Plans and Squad Pressure
With Ter Stegen unavailable, Barça acted swiftly by signing Joan García from Espanyol and extending veteran Wojciech Szczesny’s contract to ensure depth.
Although internal discussions reportedly explored moving on from Ter Stegen earlier in the summer, those talks have since been put on hold.
Club Faces Tight Registration Deadline
Even with Ter Stegen’s situation resolved, Barcelona’s squad registration challenges remain. With just over a week until their LaLiga opener against Mallorca, five players still await registration.
While this resolution provides some relief, the club’s financial and logistical puzzle is far from solved as the season draws near.
