Barcelona could face another stand-off with club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen in 2026.
The Germany international triggered a civil war at the club over the summer following his decision to undergo back surgery after returning from a serious knee injury.
A complex situation exploded during preseason as the saga threaten to derail Barcelona's start to their La Liga title defence in 2025/26.
Barcelona utilised a La Liga rule in October 2024, after Ter Stegen was initially ruled out with his first injury, and Hansi Flick signed the retired Wojciech Szczesny as a free agent.
Szczesny went on to play a key role in Flick's trophy treble as Ter Stegen returned to full fitness in May.
Despite the expectation of Ter Stegen being re-installed as No1, Flick pushed through a bold move to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol in July, which angered Ter Stegen.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Barcelona had hoped to use the same 'injury/salary space' rule on Ter Stegen's second injury - to register Garcia - but the veteran stopper rejected the proposal.
Both sides eventually cooled their positions, as Ter Stegen's recovery began, and Garcia's paperwork was completed ahead of the La Liga deadline.
Barcelona face fresh Ter Stegen issue in 2026
However, as per the latest from Diario AS, there is a strong chance of the situation being revived when the fit-again Ter Stegen comes back into the squad in January.
Ter Stegen is still under contract until 2028, and despite the pressure on him to leave, the 33-year-old has no intention of departing Catalonia, as he prepares to fight for his spot.
Premier League pair Manchester United and Newcastle United were linked with loan offers for the second half of 2025/26, but as it stands, Ter Stegen has no interest.
Flick is open to keeping him in the squad, but as back up to Garcia alongside Szczesny, with the link reviewed again next summer.
The door is far from closed on the matter, with Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann warning Ter Stegen over his World Cup place, if he is not playing regularly at the start of 2026.
Barcelona news and related links
- Barcelona handed major injury blow ahead of El Clasico
- Barcelona star faces El Clasico race against time as injury crisis deepens
- Fermin Lopez brushes off Premier League rumors and commits to Barcelona