The club's goal is to free up a salary to register goalkeepers Joan García and Wojciech Szczęsny, but the German is having none of it: according to the doctors who performed his back surgery, his absence will not exceed three months, and he is certain to return to the field within that timeframe. Therefore, he does not want to delay his registration until January.
If Ter Stegen was to confirm he'd miss at least four months, LaLiga regulations would clear Barca to use his salary elsewhere in their budget. However, at three months, Ter Stegen's salary will stand and he will expect to be registered himself for the new season.
Barca, which nevertheless acquired two goalkeepers, knew perfectly well that the German would not leave the team, which is why, in his opinion, they should have found other solutions to resolve their financial difficulties, says TMW.
Barcelona have threatened disciplinary proceedings if he doesn't sign the medical document, but Ter Stegen hasn't been notified of any official action so far. The goalkeeper feels supported by the dressing room, which itself seems exasperated by similar pressure, as has happened in the past with Frenkie De Jong, Ronald Araujo, and Raphinha.
Meanwhile, the player is focused only on recovering and fighting for a starting spot.