Barcelona sent special documents to La Liga regarding Ter Stegen's injury as they look to sign his replacement - Reports
Barcelona have sent special documents to La Liga regarding goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen's injury while they work towards signing a replacement. La Blaugrana have reportedly their sights set on Wojciech Szczesny, who made the decision to retire from professional football in August 2024.
Ter Stegen got injured while claiming the ball during Barca's 5-1 win over Villarreal at El Madrigal on September 22. The goalkeeper was in tears and had to be taken off the field immediately on a stretcher. His season is now over, as he has ruptured the patella tendon in his right knee.
Barcelona's backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena has not portrayed himself to be a quality option between the sticks. Despite keeping a clean sheet during their 1-0 win over Getafe on September 25, he conceded four goals in their most recent match against Osasuna. The Pamplona club beat them 4-2 at Estadio El Sadar on September 28.
It is no surprise, then, that Barca are looking for an immediate replacement for Ter Stegen, and they have earmarked Szczesny as their preferred option. However, to sign the Polish goalkeeper on a free transfer, the Catalan giants had to submit documents about Ter Stegen's injury to La Liga, as per Mundo Deportivo (via GOAL). The report also claimed that La Liga submitted the documents to four expert traumatologists.
The traumatologists confirmed the extent of Ter Stegen's injury and La Liga have allowed Barca to sign a replacement.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has confirmed Barcelona can sign a new player outside the transfer window
La Liga president Javier Tebas has clarified that La Blaugrana can indeed sign a new player, despite the transfer window ending at the end of August. He spoke about the club's situation at the Europa Forum, explaining that the rules allow a new signing (via Forbes):
"The regulations allow the incorporation of a player with the same amount [of salary] as the long-term injured [player]. It can incorporate a player, whether it is a goalkeeper or not."
Tebas also insisted that the rules favored all clubs in La Liga, and were not only lenient in Barcelona's case, adding:
"There is no leeway, [even though] it is interesting to say it to discredit La Liga. Fair Play professionals do not have a wide sleeve with Barca or Racing Santander, there are rules that are for everyone. They are complicated to understand, but they are for everyone."
Barca will be hoping to announce the signing of Wojciech Szczesny as soon as possible. The Polish shot-stopper has played for European giants Juventus, AS Roma, and Arsenal in his career.