Barcelona imposes condition to resolve friction with Ter Stegen after loss of captaincy
Laporta demands initiative from goalkeeper to mend ties following tense standoff
Tensions between FC Barcelona and Marc-André ter Stegen have escalated further, with club president Joan Laporta issuing a direct ultimatum to the German goalkeeper following his removal from the team captaincy.
According to journalist Víctor Navarro, Laporta cancelled a scheduled meeting with Ter Stegen and has made it clear that any effort to resolve the dispute must now come from the player himself. The Barcelona president will only engage in talks if Ter Stegen reaches out first, beginning Wednesday, August 6.
Fractures Deepen After Missed Medical Procedure
The conflict stems from Ter Stegen’s refusal to submit his medical report following a recent back injury. The document was required by the club to deregister him from the La Liga squad—a standard procedure for long-term injuries. The goalkeeper’s silence reportedly frustrated both club management and La Liga officials, further widening the rift between him and Barça’s leadership.
Ter Stegen is expected to miss four to five months of action due to the injury. His reluctance to cooperate was seen as the final straw by club leadership, coaching staff, and even some players.
García’s Arrival Triggers Turning Point
The deterioration in relations dates back to the start of last season, when Hansi Flick arrived and Barcelona signed 24-year-old Joan García from Espanyol. García quickly rose to first-choice goalkeeper, with Ter Stegen falling behind both him and summer signing Wojciech Szczęsny in the pecking order.
Sources inside the club suggest that Ter Stegen was dissatisfied with his new status and began distancing himself from team protocols. His standing within the squad took another hit following the latest medical dispute.
Transfer Listed, But Still Attracting Interest
Before the latest incidents, Barcelona had quietly placed Ter Stegen on the transfer list. Despite the internal turmoil, the 32-year-old remains a valuable asset in the European transfer market. Manchester United, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly monitoring his situation closely.
United are said to be losing confidence in André Onana, City are preparing for a potential departure of Ederson, and PSG are weighing options should Gianluigi Donnarumma leave the French capital.
Two Options Remain
Ter Stegen now faces a crossroads in his Barcelona career. He can choose to reach out to Laporta in an attempt to repair the relationship and potentially reclaim his leadership role—or pursue a move away from the club amid damaged ties and diminished trust.
While the path to reconciliation remains open, it is now entirely in the goalkeeper’s hands.
