What seemed like a simple medical disagreement has turned out to have much deeper roots. The conflict between Marc-André ter Stegen and Joan Laporta didn't erupt this summer because the goalkeeper refused to sign a medical report.
The truth is that it all goes back further, and now details have come to light that explain the true extent of the rift.
The story began over a year ago, when the club and the footballer renegotiated his contract in the midst of a financial crisis. At that time, Ter Stegen agreed to defer part of his salary as a gesture of commitment.
But what seemed like a gentleman's agreement became a source of tension when the club started delaying certain payments.
The exact figure is now known: €3.5 million. Mundo Deportivo has revealed that this was the amount Ter Stegen has stipulated in his contract if he plays 60% of the official matches.
Barça were already champions, the match at San Mamés was inconsequential, and Ter Stegen expected Flick to start him in the last matchday of the previous league. Instead, Iñaki Peña played and Ter Stegen lost €3.5 million.
The next step was to sign Joan García, ask him to leave, and take advantage of his injury to register his competitor. Relations are broken, but Ter Stegen is willing to fulfill his contract, which expires in 2028.
He'll only agree to leave Barça, as Deco has asked him, if he's paid every last euro of what he's signed for through 2028.
From commitment to distance
For years, Ter Stegen was an example of commitment. He never protested publicly and accepted sacrifices for the good of the team. Over time, the accumulation of broken promises undermined the relationship.
The latest episode was just the straw that broke the camel's back. Laporta asked the goalkeeper to sign the medical report that would allow Joan García to be registered as a temporary replacement during his absence.
Ter Stegen refused. He didn't want to get involved in a maneuver that could have legal or tax implications and also harmed him as Barça's goalkeeper.
The club opened a disciplinary file against him. That's when everything exploded.
The board thought the locker room would support the president's decision. The exact opposite happened. The squad closed ranks with their teammate, showing that the German's anger isn't just his own, but is partly shared by the group.
Captain backed and empowered
The locker room's support has been total. To the point that Ter Stegen will be re-elected as captain in the next vote.
Under normal circumstances, his standoff with the board would've cost him. Not this time. The group has spoken loud and clear.
For Laporta, the situation is uncomfortable. He's facing off against one of the locker room's heavyweights and, moreover, with public opinion on the player's side.
The wounds are open. Ter Stegen's future at Barça could become even more complicated if the relationship isn't repaired.
This isn't just about soccer. It's about one's word, money, and trust.