In a heartfelt letter to fans on Friday, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has announced that he will undergo surgery on his back, effectively ruling out any possibility of a summer transfer.

The German international confirmed that despite being physically fit in many areas, he is "not free from pain" and that surgery is now the best option following consultations with Barcelona’s medical staff and external experts.

“Dear Culers,

I wear the colors and jersey of FC Barcelona with great pride, whether on or off the pitch, in moments of success and in difficult times. Today is a personally difficult day for me,” Ter Stegen shared.

He revealed that following a previous back surgery—which saw him return after 66 days—the new operation is expected to sideline him for approximately three months, a timeline agreed upon by doctors to prevent any further complications.

This update brings relief to Barça fans who had feared rumors of a potential departure amid the club’s financial shuffle and reported goalkeeper transfer interests. Ter Stegen made it clear: “Don’t worry—I’ll be back!”

The 32-year-old, who has been a cornerstone of Barcelona’s squad since 2014, emphasized his emotional difficulty in missing match time. Still, he reassured supporters that the rehabilitation path is “manageable” and the road to recovery is “clear.”

Barcelona will now rely more heavily on their backup keepers as they begin the season without their first-choice shot-stopper. However, Ter Stegen’s loyalty and transparency have once again cemented his status as a fan favorite and locker room leader.

In a season full of turbulence—managerial changes, financial strain, and ongoing rebuilding—Marc’s message is more than just medical news; it’s a declaration of continued commitment to the Blaugrana cause.

— Busterblog.com