Another Ter Stegen-Barça friction? The possible reason for a new clash

The relationship between FC Barcelona and the German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen does not seem to be going through its best moment. Although the tension between the '1' and the board seemed to have calmed down after the controversy over not wanting to sign the medical report of his injury —a document that had to be submitted to the LaLiga commission to determine if it qualified as a long-term absence and allow the registration of Joan García—, now a new episode arises that would have reactivated the discomfort in the culé environment.

As revealed by RAC1, there would be some discomfort with the German in the club. The reason? The fact that the goalkeeper signed the statement of the AFE (Association of Spanish Footballers) together with the rest of the captains of the First Division, expressing their opposition to the commitment between Villarreal and Barça, which LaLiga wants to take to Miami.

• 📌 THE FACT: The AFE took a position in favor of Ter Stegen when he showed his refusal to approve the medical report of his injury so that it could be transferred to the Medical Commission of LaLiga.

It should be remembered that recently the AFE set a position regarding the dispute of the Villarreal-Barcelona, corresponding to matchday 17 of LaLiga EA Sports 25/26, showing its rejection of the realization of this match outside of Spain. The association described the proposal as "unacceptable" and asserted that it is "a lack of respect for the footballers, when it implies sporting changes and a displacement as workers outside the national territory within the framework of a domestic league".

Where does FC Barcelona's discomfort with Ter Stegen come from?

From the azulgrana club, the annoyance lies in the fact that they consider that Ter Stegen should not have signed said statement, since "it contradicts the interests of the club". It should not be forgotten that this project —unprecedented in LaLiga—, among other things, would mean an important economic benefit for the culé coffers, which is why the Catalan entity does not understand the German's position.

MATS rebellion or defense of the collective?

The signing of the '1' has generated all kinds of speculation. Is it an act of rebellion for the soap opera he experienced during the summer market or, simply, does he defend that neither LaLiga nor the RFEF consulted the opinion of the players to make this decision?

Hansi Flick and Ter Stegen, during the Joan Gamper Trophy 2025

The truth is that his signature is not an isolated case: the first captain of the groguet team, Gerard Moreno, also signed the document to express his discontent. Everything points to a possible widespread discomfort among the players. Will this be a key factor for the Villarreal-Barça to be played (or not) in Miami? Only time will tell.