Barcelona have received a major boost ahead of the new season, as La Liga has officially approved the club’s medical report for Marc-Andre ter Stegen. 

This decision clears the way for the registration of new signing Joan Garcia, a move the club has been pushing for over the past few weeks.

“FC Barcelona hereby announces that LaLiga’s Medical Committee has ruled that goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury meets the long-term injury criteria established by current regulations.

“The club will proceed tomorrow to immediately formalise the registration of player Joan Garcia,” read a statement from the club.

The announcement came through an official statement from Barcelona, confirming that La Liga’s Medical Committee agreed Ter Stegen’s injury meets the league’s criteria for a long-term absence. 

This allows the club to act under special regulations and make space for Garcia in the squad. The paperwork for his registration will be completed immediately so that he is available for selection.

Tension between Ter Stegen and the club resolved

The approval comes after a tense standoff between Ter Stegen and the club. Initially, the German goalkeeper was reluctant to give his consent for Barcelona to submit his medical report. 

He believed he would be back in less than three months, which meant the club could not legally use his absence to bring in another player.

However, with the situation becoming a point of friction, Barcelona stripped him of the captaincy and even opened an internal case. 

Eventually, Ter Stegen gave the green light last Friday, which allowed the matter to move forward. Today’s ruling from La Liga’s Medical Commission has finally settled the matter.

Salary space opened for reinforcement

With Ter Stegen sidelined for the first part of the season, Barcelona can now free up 40% of his salary to register Garcia. 

If the recovery period stretches to five months, that figure could rise to 80%, offering more financial flexibility while the transfer window remains open.

Garcia will now be available for Hansi Flick’s squad in their opening La Liga match against Mallorca at Son Moix this Saturday, 16 August. The move ensures the team is fully prepared in goal despite Ter Stegen’s absence.