Barcelona’s efforts to register Joan Garcia as a replacement for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen have taken a significant step forward, with the club navigating La Liga’s stringent regulations to utilize the goalkeeper’s salary.
The process, critical for reinforcing the squad, hinges on medical evaluations and precise timelines, offering a glimpse into the club’s strategic planning during a turbulent period.
Following Ter Stegen’s surgery on July 29, 2025, Barcelona promptly moved to submit his medical report to La Liga, adhering to Article 107 of the Budget Regulations, which mandates a submission within 25 calendar days of the injury.
The club is well within this timeframe, and the report is now under review by La Liga’s Medical Commission, comprising four orthopaedic specialists: Dr Fernandez Jaen, Baro Pazos, Perez San Roque, and Ardevol, with the latter abstaining due to prior affiliations with Barcelona.
The commission’s ruling will determine the duration of Ter Stegen’s absence and, consequently, the percentage of his salary available for Joan Garcia registration.
The financial implications are significant.
If the commission deems Ter Stegen’s absence will exceed five months, Barcelona can leverage 80% of his €12 million annual wage—approximately €9.6 million—to register Garcia.
However, if the estimated recovery is four months or less, this drops to 50%, or €4.8 million, provided the registration occurs before the summer transfer window closes.
A unanimous or majority decision from the commission will grant Barcelona 20 calendar days to finalize Garcia’s registration, a critical window for squad stability.
The stakes are high, as an early return by Ter Stegen could trigger severe penalties for Barcelona if Garcia’s registration exceeds salary cap limits.
With Ter Stegen reinstated as captain and his authorization secured, the club is cautiously optimistic.
Joan Garcia’s potential integration as a goalkeeper could bolster Barcelona’s defense, but the process underscores the delicate balance of compliance and ambition in modern football.
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