Ter Stegen has only played nine games in the 2024-2025 season due to a ruptured kneecap, and it's likely that he will need to undergo surgery to resolve the back issue. Without surgery, his recovery would not be guaranteed.

The operation would mean that Ter Stegen would be out for approximately four months. This news could impact his future at FC Barcelona, as he is currently under contract until June 2028.

Management at the club has already been pushing Ter Stegen towards the exit, and finding a new club for him could be even more challenging now.