Barcelona out-of-favour captain set to be the club’s biggest headache this summer | OneFootball

Barcelona are gearing up for a busy summer ahead, where the club will need to reinforce multiple positions as they look to compete for the Champions League next season.

With Robert Lewandowski leaving, Barcelona must first secure a new striker, while the team also needs a new defender and a winger.

However, Barcelona’s transfer activity in the summer would hinge heavily on player departures and that is where a certain Marc-Andre ter Stegen could pose a problem.

Barcelona’s biggest worry in the summer

According to Mundo Deportivo, Ter Stegen is set to become Barcelona’s biggest worry in the transfer market this summer.

Ter Stegen is currently recovering from an injury. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Currently on loan at Girona, Ter Stegen continues his recovery from injury at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper complex.

He has two years remaining on his contract, running until June 2028, and carries one of the highest salaries in the squad.

Barcelona covered the majority of his wages during his loan spell at Girona, meaning the financial burden has not eased as much as the club would have hoped.

Barcelona do not count on Ter Stegen going forward, but finding a club willing to take on his salary will be far from straightforward given his injury history.

The goalkeeper himself is keen on staying at Barcelona or returning to Girona due to his personal circumstances, further complicating any potential exit.

A problem that limits spending

Ter Stegen has no desire to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Even with Lewandowski’s departure freeing up significant wage space, ter Stegen’s salary continues to weigh heavily on the wage bill and directly limits Barcelona’s ability to operate in the transfer market.

With LaLiga close to approving the club’s return to the 1:1 Financial Fair Play rule, every euro saved matters.

Barring any surprises, his situation looks set to drag on until the very end of the summer window.