The reported signs of tensions in the camp of FC Barcelona began to surface earlier this summer when Barcelona signed Joan Garcia from rivals Espanyol for 25 million Euros and extended the contract of veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. The skipper of the club Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been the team’s first choice goalkeeper since 2014, but reportedly he wasn’t considered by the team management this time. Despite ter Stegen’s contract running until June 2028, reports indicate that the club placed ter Stegen on the transfer market. It is being speculated that this move by the club infuriated the captain.
It is claimed in reports that the internal crisis of the team management with the skipper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has reached a critical juncture. The most recent issue among the series of disputes is said to be ter Stegen’s refusal to allow the club to share his medical report with LaLiga. It is said that these disputes with the skipper and the recent goalkeeper signings might lead to the club reshaping its leadership dynamics. The German goalkeeper underwent back surgery last month and is expected to be unavailable for next three to four months. Barcelona are looking to share his medical report to LaLiga to classify his injury as long-term, so that they are allowed to free 80% of his salary and register their new signings like Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford.
Manchester City, Inter and Galatasaray are reportedly interested in Marc-Andre ter Stegen
It is claimed by many reports that Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been placed on the transfer market by FC Barcelona. But his reported refusal to move, even with clubs like Manchester City, Inter and Galatasaray interested in acquiring him is said to have further strained the relations. Reportedly, Barcelona’s board led by president Joan Laporta, also expressed frustration over ter Stegen’s actions, with some executives believing his behavior prioritizes personal interests over the club’s needs. There are reports which claim that a disciplinary case, with potential sanctions under discussion against ter Stegen.
The dispute comes at such a time for Barcelona, when they are already grappling with ongoing challenges in registering players due to LaLiga’s stringent financial regulations. Last season’s difficulties with registering Dani Olmo underscored these issues, and the club is now desperate to secure spots for Garcia, Rashford, and young talent Roony Bardghji. Marc-Andre ter Stegen has made 400 appearances for Barcelona and has won five LaLiga crowns along with a Champions League trophy.
