Barcelona have confirmed that Marc-Andre ter Stegen has undergone successful back surgery, though doubts remain over the goalkeeper’s long-term future at the club.
The 32-year-old, who has been Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper since 2016 and currently serves as club captain, missed much of last season with a severe knee injury.
The German international returned to action late last season, but his future at the club has been complicated in recent weeks.
Wojciech Szczesny impressed for the Blaugrana last season after coming out of retirement, helping them seal a domestic treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de Espana.
The signing of promising Spanish talent Joan Garcia from Espanyol has only added to the uncertainty surrounding Ter Stegen’s role.
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Barcelona confirmed the German international underwent further back surgery in Bordeaux on Tuesday (July 29), releasing an official statement that read:
“First-team player Marc-Andre ter Stegen has successfully undergone further surgery for his lower back problems, performed by Dr. Amelie Leglise under the supervision of the club's medical services at Sports Clinic Bordeaux Merignac.
“He is unavailable for selection, and his recovery will determine when he can return.”
Where do Barcelona and Ter Stegen go from here?
It seems there’s never a dull moment at Barcelona these days.
With Ter Stegen having announced on social media that he will be sidelined for at least three months, the Blaugrana find themselves in a precarious position.
Dear Culers,
— Marc ter Stegen (@mterstegen1) July 24, 2025
I wear the colors 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…
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the club are open to offloading the German due to his high wages – a move that would help ease their ongoing financial pressures.
However, finding a buyer could prove difficult while Ter Stegen recovers.
Garcia’s arrival and Szczesny’s continuity clearly suggest Barcelona are preparing for both the present and future in goal, and Ter Stegen may be the most expendable option in that department.
The timing, however, could prove to be vital. With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, Ter Stegen will be eager to secure regular minutes to hold onto his starting spot for Germany.
If he cannot be guaranteed minutes at Barcelona, a transfer could well be his best chance at regaining form and fitness ahead of the marquee tournament.
Barca are currently preparing for the upcoming season with a friendly tour of Japan and South Korea, before getting their domestic season underway on August 16 with a trip to Mallorca.
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