Barcelona may be preparing to make a major leadership change within the squad, as club officials weigh the possibility of removing Marc-André ter Stegen as captain.
The German goalkeeper, who was only named team skipper last year following the departure of Sergi Roberto, is currently at the centre of a growing internal dispute that has sparked concern behind the scenes.
The situation escalated last month when Ter Stegen announced he had undergone back surgery and would be sidelined for around three months. While the news was widely shared among fans and media, it reportedly caught top Barcelona executives off guard.
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, both club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco were left frustrated by how the situation was handled—particularly the lack of prior communication. That frustration has now led to discussions about stripping Ter Stegen of the captaincy as a form of disciplinary action.
Although no final decision has been made, sources close to the club suggest Laporta and Deco plan to meet with manager Hansi Flick to discuss the matter in detail before any official move is taken. The goal is to assess whether the goalkeeper’s recent conduct aligns with the leadership standards expected at a club of Barcelona’s stature.
Ter Stegen’s appointment as captain was seen as a vote of confidence in his experience and commitment, especially after nearly a decade with the club. However, the recent friction highlights deeper concerns within Barcelona’s leadership about communication and accountability.
As the team prepares for the upcoming LaLiga campaign, any change in captaincy would not only be symbolic but could also set the tone for how the club approaches discipline and leadership moving forward.