Marc-André ter Stegen is undecided about back surgery amid his ongoing transfer saga at FC Barcelona. The German has been undergoing conservative treatment since suffering from the latest flare-up of his chronic back pain. However, the recovery has not progressed as hoped. Despite this, the 33-year-old goalkeeper has yet to decide if he will undergo another surgery, similar to the one he had in Bordeaux in December 2023 for a herniated disc.
Barça's medical team have informed Ter Stegen that he has two options: undergo surgery or wait. If he waits, there are many risks.
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) July 21, 2025
— @partidazocope pic.twitter.com/JNEtJO1wql
Ter Stegen to Miss Barça’s Asia Tour
Ter Stegen will not travel with FC Barcelona for their preseason tour of Japan and South Korea. The German goalkeeper continues to struggle with persistent back problems that have kept him out of training since July 14. Barça manager Hansi Flick has already informed Ter Stegen that the first-team goalkeeping duties for the upcoming season will be shared between Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny. Szczesny recently renewed his contract until 2027, reinforcing the club’s commitment to this new pairing. Ter Stegen's departure could facilitate Barca's return to the 1:1 rule this summer, which will free up space to register Rashford and Joan Garcia.
🗣️ @santiovalle : “ If Ter Stegen leaves, it frees up 20 million in wages, enough to register Rashford and Joan García.” pic.twitter.com/sSQh1Vn56s
— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) July 20, 2025
Ter Stegen’s 2026 World Cup Hopes in Jeopardy
Ter Stegen’s ongoing fitness concerns and reduced playing time could affect his ambitions to represent Germany in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The German shot-stopper will need regular minutes to be considered for selection, and an exit during the winter transfer window may be necessary to keep that dream alive.
