Ter Stegen Affirms Surgery Decision Had Club’s Approval

Barcelona’s goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, has responded to claims suggesting he is responsible for the team’s challenges in registering new players. On Friday, he asserted that his back surgery and the subsequent recovery period received full endorsement from the club.

The German goalkeeper’s three-month recovery plan has presented an unforeseen difficulty for Barcelona, who initially considered utilizing his injury to alleviate Financial Fair Play restrictions imposed by LaLiga regulations.

The club reportedly requested Ter Stegen to accept an extended medical leave, which would have enabled them to free up 80% of his salary until mid-season, thereby meeting LaLiga’s Financial Fair Play requirements and facilitating the registration of new players.

However, Ter Stegen’s social media announcement of a three-month absence reportedly caused friction with club management. LaLiga mandates a minimum four-month absence for a player to qualify for long-term injury status.

“The determination to undergo surgery was reached in consultation with medical experts and received complete approval from the club,” Ter Stegen stated on Instagram, one day after relinquishing the club’s captaincy.

“Furthermore, I publicly disclosed the minimum recuperation timeframe that I would require post-surgery, which was communicated to me by respected specialists and consistently coordinated with the club.”

Barcelona secured the services of 24-year-old goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol last month. However, they are yet to be registered as the new LaLiga season started on August 15.

“I also wish to clarify that all club acquisitions and contract extensions were finalized before my surgery,” Ter Stegen added.

“Consequently, I never considered that my unfortunate situation necessitating surgery would be instrumental in registering other team members. Any alternative interpretation appears both unjust and inaccurate.

“I acknowledge that challenging periods can generate strain, but I am confident that through communication and accountability, we can resolve this situation constructively. I am fully prepared to collaborate with the club’s leadership to address the issue and provide the necessary authorization.”

This controversy underscores Barcelona’s financial difficulties as they strive to register new players once again.

In the previous season, the club sought intervention from Spain’s National Sports Council to permit Dani Olmo and Pau Victor to play until the season’s end, after LaLiga determined they lacked the financial capacity to register the players based on their financial statements.