18.07.2025
Reading time: 1 min

Ter Stegen considers back surgery, future at Barcelona uncertain

Jimmy Dong
Jimmy Dong
Ter Stegen considers back surgery, future at Barcelona uncertain

According to ESPN, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is considering back surgery — a decision that could keep him sidelined for several months ahead.

The German goalkeeper hasn’t been able to join team training since Barcelona started preseason — an issue that might still be resolved with conservative treatment.

This situation emerges at an unfortunate time as Barcelona just signed Joan García from Espanyol for €25 million. Internal club sources reveal Barcelona is open to Ter Stegen’s departure, although the player remains reluctant to leave.

Barcelona plans to rely on Wojciech Szczęsny as García’s backup after signing a new contract. This condition leaves the future of Ter Stegen and Iñaki Peña uncertain — though reports that the coach has ruled out Ter Stegen’s playing time were denied by internal sources.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper likely won’t join the preseason tour to Asia next week. The surgery decision is also influenced by his ambition to become Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper at next year’s World Cup following Manuel Neuer’s retirement.

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