Barcelona director’s plan to address Ter Stegen situation amid growing tension – report | OneFootball

One of the major issues for FC Barcelona to handle in the coming days involves out-of-favour club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Having undergone surgery to address his back issues earlier this week, the German international is set for an extended period out of action.

As such, the idea of a summer departure is off the table, but Barcelona can still make use of his absence to register Joan Garcia, provided the 33-year-old is out for four months or more.

But, even prior to undergoing surgery, Ter Stegen put out a statement saying he will be out for only three months – seen as a tactic to pressure Barça – a move that has put his captaincy in jeopardy.

Deco’s plan to address the problems

Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, will take responsibility for clarifying the situation with Ter Stegen following recent weeks of uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper’s future and injury.

Ter Stegen has returned from Bordeaux, where he underwent surgery and will soon begin his recovery process in Barcelona. And the club wants to handle Ter Stegen’s case with care to protect the player’s image.

Barcelona do not want to overwhelm Ter Stegen during this delicate phase, but they plan to address the matter after the team’s return from the Asian tour. Deco will take the lead in resolving the issue.

Deco will take charge of handling the Ter Stegen issue. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The current key point is the expected duration of Ter Stegen’s absence. A La Liga medical committee must determine the official recovery time after reviewing medical reports, which can only be submitted with the player’s consent.

Deco will speak directly with Ter Stegen, who can veto the submission of the report, to encourage his cooperation, assuring him of the club’s support regardless of the final assessment by La Liga doctors.

If the medical committee rules that the absence will be at least four months, Barcelona will be allowed to release 80% of the goalkeeper’s salary from the wage bill, facilitating the registration of new signings.

Regardless, Deco wants to move past recent tensions and reach a mutually respectful agreement with Ter Stegen.

Barcelona’s intention is to honour a player who has been at the club for eleven years, is the current first-team captain, and with whom they wish to avoid any conflict.

The final decision will be left to the player, but Barcelona hope he will act in a way that supports the club’s interests. The goal is for the medical decision to be made independently, free from external pressure or public friction.