The relationship between FC Barcelona and its historic goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen gives the impression of being irreparably broken. And it is that, yes: the last pulse of the German goalkeeper, refusing to initial the medical report that supports his long-term injury —a document that had to be transferred to the Medical Commission of LaLiga— has been the straw that broke the camel's back within the Blaugrana sports management.
In this context, one of the most upset in the club's high command, according to Mundo Deportivo, is President Joan Laporta himself. Even, as this source asserts, although the president was initially willing to hold a face-to-face meeting with MATS, the attitude of the native of Mönchengladbach would have caused strong indignation in the Catalan dignitary.
Barça momentarily puts aside reconciliation with Ter Stegen
Given this tension, the disappointment in the top of the Blaugrana team has escalated to the point of canceling any planned summit with the goalkeeper. This meeting has been removed from the agenda and will not be reconsidered, unless Ter Stegen himself requests it and adopts a conciliatory position.
With this panorama, it is expected that the Catalan team will delegate this case completely to its legal services. It should not be forgotten that from the entity's offices they have been exploring alternatives to send the medical report to LaLiga anyway, without the express authorization of the German '1', in order to obtain an evaluation from the Medical Commission of the employers.
MATS's legal blockade complicates Barcelona
Even so, the competition's position is firm: even if the culé team manages to get the report through without the goalkeeper's approval, LaLiga will not send it to its medical commission. This is due to the blockade of a Ter Stegen who, apparently, seeks to invoke his right to data privacy, which prevents the disclosure of any personal medical information.
However, Barcelona has a solid argument: it was Ter Stegen himself who broke, in the first instance, that right to confidentiality. It is enough to remember that, when his surgery was announced, MATS published a particularly explicit statement, in which he detailed the reasons for his operation and even the estimated recovery time.
An uncomfortable Joan Gamper Trophy for Ter Stegen
Now, it remains to be seen how this case evolves, with a Marc-André ter Stegen who will soon have to submit to the judgment of the culé public. Next Sunday the 2025 Joan Gamper Trophy will be held at the Johan Cruyff, an event that, among other things, serves as an official presentation of the squad for the upcoming season. And there, the experienced goalkeeper —still an active member of the squad and first captain— would have to make an appearance, and even address a few words to the fans.
What will be the reception of the culé fan? It will soon be known.