Barcelona are the creators of the problem they now face with Marc-Andre ter Stegen | OneFootball

Barcelona have always been a club built on ideals of loyalty and sporting identity, but the way they have handled Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s situation over the past few months stands in sharp contrast to that image.

It is no longer a case of poor communication or squad management, but it is a complete failure in planning and respect for a senior player who has served the club with distinction for nearly a decade.

Just a few months ago, Ter Stegen was untouchable. Even while recovering from a serious knee injury, there was no talk of his place being under threat.

Everyone expected that once he was back, he would step straight into the first team as always. After all, his performances in recent seasons had justified that trust.

He remained a leader on the pitch and a calm presence at the back, even when the team around him was struggling. But Barcelona’s decisions are now turning him into a problem of their own making.

No clarity, no communication, and now no way out

Ter Stegen has the right to refuse contract termination. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

It is almost shocking how quickly things have changed, as Ter Stegen’s role at the club now appears uncertain.

The decision to retain Wojciech Szczęsny, coupled with the imminent arrival of Joan Garcia, has left Ter Stegen out of the picture without any formal notice.

What is worse is that the goalkeeper has so far received no communication at all from the management about where he stands in the project going forward.

This is where the club’s actions begin to hurt their own interests. Instead of handling the transition in goal with professionalism, they have allowed confusion and disrespect to take over.

Ter Stegen, who has a contract running until 2028 worth around €42 million in wages, is reportedly refusing to accept any buyout unless the full salary is paid.

For what it is worth, that is not difficult to understand. From his perspective, he is being sidelined without cause after years of loyalty, so why should he walk away without being paid what was agreed?

Barcelona are now in a situation where they may have to keep a goalkeeper on their books who won’t play and does not fit into the club’s vision moving forward, but will still be one of the highest earners in the squad. And this is entirely their fault.

Deserves better treatment from Barcelona

Barcelona have themselves to blame for this mess. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

If anyone should have been handled with care, it’s Ter Stegen. He did not force his way into the spotlight. He did not make waves in the dressing room. He simply returned from injury and waited for his chance, like a professional.

The silence from the club is what has caused the most damage. Not being told anything, not being given clarity, and not being offered a solution, all of this adds up to a player who now feels betrayed.

It is easy to look at the financial pressure the club is under and understand the need for tough decisions. But those decisions have to be made with integrity.

Right now, Ter Stegen’s situation is not just a financial headache, it is a public embarrassment. Even so, no club is willing to bear his salary, and the keeper has also ruled out a Saudi move, leaving the club in a massive problem.

Barcelona cannot expect to be taken seriously when they speak of “project planning” if this is how they treat one of their most reliable figures, that too in a matter of weeks.

As things stand, the Blaugrana only have themselves to blame. They created this mess. Now, they must find a way to clean it up, even if it costs them dearly.