Barcelona did not take well the statement issued by Marc-Andre ter Stegen in which he announced his decision to undergo surgery and estimated a three-month recovery.
After all, it is unprecedented for the player to give out a timeline for his recovery even before he has undergone surgery. The club also had not issued a statement before the 33-year-old came out with his update.
Barcelona not solely reliant on Ter Stegen for Joan Garcia registration
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona believe the move by Ter Stegen may be a tactic to complicate Joan Garcia’s registration, as only injuries lasting four months or more allow a club to use 80% of a player’s salary towards registering new signings under La Liga’s rules.
In any case, Barcelona maintain that it does not need to rely on Ter Stegen’s absence to register the former Espanyol goalkeeper.
Indeed, the La Liga champions believe that, in addition to other exit operations already completed, revenue recorded by auditors from VIP seat sales – whether at Spotify Camp Nou or Montjuic – would be sufficient to proceed with Joan Garcia’s registration.
Barcelona treating Joan Garcia’s registration as priority. (Photo courtesy: X/FCBarcelona)
If needed, even a special financial guarantee from the club president or members of the board could also be explored.
Garcia’s camp already informed
This plan has already been communicated to Garcia and his agent to reassure them, with Deco meeting with his camp last night.
However, the matter of Ter Stegen will ultimately be assessed by La Liga’s medical tribunal. If, following surgery, Barcelona’s medical staff conclude that his absence will exceed four months, the salary relief will naturally be applied to Garcia’s registration.
If that is not the case, the Blaugrana are prepared to activate the alternative plan. Garcia’s case is the most urgent, and his registration takes priority over those of Wojciech Szczesny and Marcus Rashford.
Garcia has impressed during pre-season training and is considered a strategic signing. The 24-year-old ace is expected to start in goal from matchday one, on Saturday 16 August, against Mallorca.