Marc-André ter Stegen has decided to embark on his most delicate journey far from the noise. There are no directors, no Barça doctors, no club companions. Only him and his trusted people.
The German goalkeeper has traveled alone to Bordeaux to undergo surgery once again today, this time with the French surgeon Dr. Leglise.
This is no coincidence. Ter Stegen doesn't want any leaks. He believes that what happens in the coming days is part of his private sphere.
Especially when more than just his recovery is at stake: his immediate future at Barça as well.
That, precisely, is what's causing deep unease in the club's offices.
Absolute silence with a date in mind
The player already has an optimistic prognosis. He believes he'll be ready in just two months (2 months), that is, by the end of September, because that's what the doctor who will operate on him has confirmed.
That estimate, although hopeful from a sporting perspective, breaks all the plans of the technical department.
At Barça, they expected an absence of at least four months (4 months) in order to register Joan García.
That four-month (4 months) limit is key. It allows a player to be deregistered due to a long-term injury and his replacement to be activated without issues with Financial Fair Play.
But Ter Stegen isn't going to make things easier. He's not willing to "collaborate" or to extend the deadlines. If he feels ready in eight weeks (8 weeks), he plans to return.
Laporta at a crossroads
The German's decision leaves Joan Laporta facing a dilemma. If he wants to register the former Espanyol goalkeeper, he'll have to find another way.
In a squad with limited numbers and closely monitored by LaLiga, it won't be easy. The Ter Stegen route was the clearest. Now, the club is forced to improvise.
In private, some are beginning to question the goalkeeper's commitment to the institution. Not because of his desire to recover as soon as possible, but because of the secrecy, the distance from the club's doctors. His refusal to listen to other opinions.
An uncomfortable situation
The trust between Barça and Ter Stegen already went through difficult moments during Xavi Hernández's tenure. Now, with Flick on the bench, it seemed there had been a truce. But this new episode reopens the doubts.
Meanwhile, Joan García is still waiting. He knows his signing is done and that only his registration is pending. The problem is finding the legal space to do it.
With Ter Stegen clinging to his personal schedule, everything gets complicated.
Barça, for now, keeps silent. The Bordeaux operation has opened more than one wound. The Camp Nou goal is far from stable.