In a development that has not only impacted Barcelona’s pre-season preparations but also thrown their transfer window plans into disarray, first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen’s ongoing recovery from back surgery has presented a fresh registration headache for the Catalan giants. While the German international is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, his temporary absence places the club in a difficult financial and strategic position as they try to balance La Liga’s stringent salary cap and squad registration rules.
The timing of Ter Stegen’s surgery, which he underwent last winter to resolve persistent lower back discomfort, has resurfaced as a major concern this summer. Barcelona are currently grappling with multiple squad-related challenges, including registration issues for new and extended contracts, and the German goalkeeper’s status is complicating matters further.
Ter Stegen’s Surgery and Road to Recovery
Marc-André ter Stegen, who has been a linchpin for Barcelona since his arrival in 2014, underwent spinal surgery to address a chronic disc issue. Initially expected to return well before the pre-season, complications during his recovery have forced the club’s medical staff to reassess timelines. He has resumed light training but is not expected to return to full match fitness until mid-September.
| Recovery Timeline Snapshot |
|---|
| Surgery Date: November 2024 |
| Initial Recovery Estimate: 4-5 months |
| Current Status: Partial training (as of July 2025) |
| Expected Return: September 2025 |
With this delay, Barcelona face a tricky situation regarding squad registration under La Liga’s salary cap restrictions, especially since every euro spent has to be accounted for within the financial fair play framework.
Barcelona’s Squad Registration Crisis Deepens
Barcelona have already struggled in recent seasons to register players due to La Liga’s financial controls. After offloading several high-wage players and activating economic levers to gain short-term capital, the club has still not fully stabilized its financial outlook. As of the current transfer window, several players—including new signings and youth promotions—are still awaiting official registration.
The club’s attempt to manage its salary-to-income ratio has faced hurdles, particularly due to injury concerns that limit squad flexibility. Ter Stegen’s uncertain timeline forces the club to consider registering a backup keeper like Iñaki Peña or scouting for a short-term replacement, which again triggers salary registration issues.
| Barcelona Registration Status (Key Players) |
| Player | Contract Status | Registration Status |
|---|---|---|
| Marc-André ter Stegen | Active till 2028 | Registered |
| Iñaki Peña | Backup GK | Pending |
| Vitor Roque | New Signing | Awaiting Clearance |
| Mikayil Faye | Promoted from B team | Awaiting Approval |
| Joao Félix | Potential loan extension | Subject to FFP room |
This has ignited debate about whether Barcelona should temporarily de-register Ter Stegen to create space for a replacement—something allowed under La Liga rules in case of long-term injuries exceeding five months. However, this option carries reputational risks and logistical challenges, particularly around insurance, player morale, and re-registration logistics once he recovers.
Goalkeeper Conundrum: To Register or Not?
Barcelona now face three potential pathways regarding their goalkeeping crisis:
- Retain Ter Stegen’s Registration – Assume he’ll recover in time and continue with internal backup options like Peña and Astralaga. This would maintain squad consistency but limits reinforcements in other positions.
- De-Register Ter Stegen Temporarily – Free up registration space to bring in a reliable replacement. However, re-registration upon his return could again hit compliance issues.
- Sign a Loan Goalkeeper Under Exception – Apply for La Liga’s emergency injury replacement clause, but only if medical documentation supports a long-term absence.
Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco have remained non-committal in public but are believed to be exploring all three avenues, depending on the league’s acceptance and financial modeling projections.
Tactical Impact on Preseason and Early Fixtures
Coach Hansi Flick is already feeling the pinch. Known for his emphasis on building from the back, Flick’s system relies heavily on Ter Stegen’s distribution skills and ability to operate as a ‘sweeper-keeper.’ His absence affects both defensive solidity and buildup play, particularly with high-stakes fixtures looming in both La Liga and European competitions.
The pre-season friendlies, where Peña has stepped in, have seen mixed results. While Peña has impressed in flashes, he lacks Ter Stegen’s authority and command in high-pressure games.
| Barcelona Preseason 2025 Summary (Goalkeeper Performance) |
| Opponent | Result | Starting GK | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSG | 2-2 | Peña | 2 |
| Bayern Munich | 1-3 | Peña | 3 |
| Girona | 2-1 | Peña | 1 |
| Arsenal | 0-0 | Peña | 0 |
Flick has publicly backed Peña, but internally, the coaching staff is said to favor signing an experienced short-term keeper, particularly if the first month of the season features challenging fixtures.
Financial Strain Still the Elephant in the Room
Barcelona’s wage bill remains one of the highest in Europe, and the club is still on the verge of breaching the 70% salary-to-revenue ratio imposed by La Liga. The club has had to rely on “economic levers” and long-term sponsorships just to stay afloat in the market.
Ter Stegen, being one of the top earners, represents both a critical asset and a financial liability during his recovery. His temporary de-registration could free up crucial salary space, but at what cost?
| Top Barcelona Earners 2025 |
| Player | Estimated Weekly Wages |
|---|---|
| Frenkie de Jong | €450,000 |
| Robert Lewandowski | €400,000 |
| Marc-André ter Stegen | €350,000 |
| Ilkay Gündogan | €325,000 |
| Raphinha | €300,000 |
Every euro saved can potentially be redirected toward registering new players like Vitor Roque, but such decisions have long-term reputational and sporting ramifications.
What Fans and Analysts Are Saying
Reactions from the Barcelona faithful have been a mix of concern and acceptance. Many fans understand the gravity of the situation but are wary of the club making another rushed registration call that could backfire later in the season.
“We can’t afford another registration mistake. We’ve already missed out on targets because of this,” tweeted one fan.
“Ter Stegen’s health is priority—but let’s not destabilize the entire squad for two months of recovery,” wrote another.
Analysts believe that the decision will shape Barcelona’s early-season momentum, particularly with UEFA fixtures set to resume by mid-September.
Conclusion: A Dilemma That Reflects Bigger Issues
Marc-André ter Stegen’s back surgery and extended recovery have amplified FC Barcelona’s ongoing structural issues—both financial and administrative. As the club juggles between short-term tactics and long-term sustainability, decisions regarding squad registration, financial compliance, and on-field strategy remain tightly intertwined.
Whether Barcelona choose to de-register their star goalkeeper or trust in their backups, the outcome of this situation could set the tone for the entire 2025-26 campaign.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on currently available public data and ongoing media coverage. Situations involving medical recovery and contract registration are dynamic and may evolve. The article does not imply any confirmed decision by FC Barcelona, its management, or Marc-André ter Stegen. For official updates, readers should refer to direct statements from the club.
