La Liga president Javier Tebas confirmed on Monday that FC Barcelona can make a new signing outside the transfer window amid what appears to be a season-ending injury to its captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The German was stretchered off the pitch away at Villarreal on Sunday, with his serious knee knock overshadowing what was otherwise an impressive 5-1 for the Catalans which extended their 100% record in La Liga and maintained a four-point lead over bitter rivals Real Madrid at the summit.
It was almost immediately highlighted that Barca should be able to sign a stand-in for Ter Stegen, but only one that is currently a free agent given the transfer window closed at the start of the month.
Barca is studying its options according to SPORT. But Tebas has confirmed not just that President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco can bring in another goalkeeper, but that the player in question might also operate in another area of the pitch if needs be.
“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 clarified on Monday morning in Spain, while speaking from the Europa Forum.
Furthermore, Tebas also said that the severity of Barca’s economic situation is “greatly exaggerated” after it was once on the brink of bankruptcy at the turn of the decade post-pandemic.
“It’s better than two years ago and it will be better in two years’ time,” Tebas stated.
“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,” he insisted.
While that may be true, Barca needs to think about the here and now, and whether it should trust Inaki Pena or a La Masia talent between the sticks.
In that case it could look to strengthen another position, or instead go for a more experienced shotstopper capable of leading Hansi Flick’s title challenge against bitter rivals Madrid.
