Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen announces surgery decision with major consequences

Barcelona captain and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has announced that he will undergo surgery to resolve an ongoing back issue. The decision could have a major impact on the Blaugrana’s transfer window and their ability to register players.

The club remain over their salary limit, and have already signed Marcus Rashford and Joan Garcia for a total of €25m, with the Manchester United man arriving on loan, albeit with a €14m salary. If ter Stegen was out long-term, Barcelona could have turned to the long-term injury rule to potentially use up to 80% of ter Stegen’s salary limit impact towards registering both players.

More to follow.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s full statement

Dear Culers,

I wear the colours and jersey of FC Barcelona with great pride, whether on or off the pitch, in moments of success and in difficult times. Today is a personally difficult day for me

Physically and athletically, I feel in very good shape, although unfortunately I am not free from pain. After intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery.

After my last operation on my back, I returned to the pitch after 66 days—almost two months; this time, the doctors believe about three months will be necessary as a precaution, to avoid any risks.

Emotionally, it hurts a lot not being able to support the team during this time. Fortunately, the rehabilitation is manageable and the road back is clear.

I will keep you updated on my recovery and I sincerely want to thank you all, dear Culers, for always being by my side.

Don’t worry—I’ll be back!

Yours, Marc