Ter Stegen faces sanctions from Barcelona after loophole that’ll block transfer

MARC-ANDRE TER STEGEN could face sanctions from Barcelona after refusing to sign a medical report that could see the Catalan side register a replacement.

The German, 33, is suffering with a back injury.

Last month, the veteran goalkeeper confirmed that he would require surgery.

Earlier this summer, Barca signed stopper Joan Garcia from city rivals Espanyol – but they have not yet registered the 24-year-old.

The Catalan side are once again at the limit of LaLiga’s financial rules, although Ter Stegen’s injury could see them find a way out.

If league bosses determine the Barca stalwart’s injury to be severe enough to sideline him for five or more months, Hansi Flick’s side could use 80 per cent of his salary to register someone else.

In order to submit a medical report to LaLiga chiefs, however, Barcelona need Ter Stegen’s written consent.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the goalkeeper has so far refused to do so – leaving his replacement Garcia in limbo.

Confirming that he had gone under the knife on July 24, Ter Stegen insisted in an Instagram post that he would only be out for three months.

Ter Stegen’s stance is said to have frustrated figures within Barcelona.

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No Barca player has previously refused to sign a medical report.

Previous examples include Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo doing so, enabling the club to register Dani Olmo and Inigo Martinez.

Barcelona are now reportedly consulting with their lawyers regarding a potential internal punishment for Ter Stegen.

The goalkeeper is within his rights to refuse to sign the medical report.

But lawyers may determine that Barca players’ contracts stipulate that they must not act in a way that could harm the club.

The situation is complicated further by the fact that Ter Stegen is Barcelona captain.

According to Spanish paper Sport, some figures within the club want Ter Stegen to be replaced as skipper over the ongoing conflict.

But players are said to have rallied around their captain, rejecting the idea of a replacement.

Barcelona were in South Korea on a pre-season tour last week.

Flick’s men defeated K-League side Daegu 5-0 yesterday, with Garcia starting between the sticks and Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford on the scoresheet.

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