Marc-André ter Stegen's situation at Barça has become one of the main focal points at the start of preseason. The German goalkeeper still isn't training with the group due to a back problem. This injury has been the perfect excuse to keep himself on the sidelines, while the club is pushing to find him a way out this summer.
However, the goalkeeper has no intention of moving. Even though Barça has already made it clear that it doesn't count on him for the new season, Ter Stegen remains firm. He feels comfortable in Barcelona, he has a valid contract, and he doesn't look favorably on leaving the club amid this tense atmosphere.
A medical decision that may shape his future
In the coming days, Ter Stegen will have to make a crucial decision for his professional future. The back problem he's been dealing with could force him to undergo surgery. If he chooses to have the operation, the estimated recovery time would be four months (4 months), which would make any kind of transfer this summer extremely difficult.
From the sporting management, they expected the player, if he didn't accept a voluntary exit, to at least help facilitate a solution. But if he decides to have surgery, he'll physically shield himself at Barça and the club won't be able to do anything to free itself from his salary for several months. The dilemma is complex, and the player's camp is still studying all the options.
A matter of salary
The main reason why Barça wants Ter Stegen to leave this summer isn't just sporting, but above all economic. His salary is one of the highest in the entire squad, and the club considers that it's unfeasible to keep paying it. In addition, with the arrival of Joan García from Espanyol, Barça already has its starting goalkeeper defined.
Joan García will be the number one this season. Hansi Flick's project doesn't include Ter Stegen, and keeping him on the bench would mean an unnecessary expense. Freeing up his salary would also allow the club to register new signings and adjust the wage cap, something essential in this market.
A standoff that doesn't look like it will end well
Despite the club's pressure and the intentions of the sporting management, everything suggests that Ter Stegen won't move. The German is upset with the treatment, especially with the lack of communication regarding Joan García's arrival and the decision to sideline him. That discomfort has led to a firm stance: he doesn't want to leave Barça, no matter what happens.
The feeling in the offices is that the standoff will continue. Even if he doesn't have surgery, the club believes that Ter Stegen will hold out until the end. His contract and his medical situation give him leeway, and meanwhile, the bad atmosphere is growing in such a delicate position as the goal.