Overview

• Joan García debuted in Japan wearing Ter Stegen’s No. 1 jersey to signal his promotion as Barca’s first-choice keeper
• Barcelona’s official website still lists Ter Stegen as No. 1 but he has been sidelined in favor of García
• Ter Stegen announced a back operation with a three-month recovery estimate that the club suspects is meant to delay García’s La Liga registration
• Club officials are reportedly considering stripping Ter Stegen of the captaincy amid growing tensions over his future
• Experts have urged Ter Stegen to seek a transfer to protect his Germany starting role for the 2026 World Cup, though he has reaffirmed his commitment to Barcelona