Barcelona are reportedly considering taking the captaincy away from their current captain, goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen, amid tensions following his announcement of upcoming surgery that will sideline him for three months. This situation has led to doubts about Ter Stegen remaining the right leader for the team going forward.
The club is looking to appoint a new captain for the 2025/26 season, and four senior players have emerged as prime candidates to take over the role:
- Robert Lewandowski (experienced striker)
- Iñigo Martínez (veteran defender known for leadership qualities)
- Lamine Yamal (promising teenage talent)
- Ferran Torres (hard-working winger)
These four players are considered by the club to have the leadership attributes and influence to lead the team after Ter Stegen’s potential departure from the captaincy position.
Last season, Ter Stegen was the first captain, followed by Ronald Araújo, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri. This change marks a significant shift in Barcelona’s leadership structure as they look to rebuild or refresh the captaincy lineup ahead of the new season.
This move reflects broader concerns within the club regarding Ter Stegen's relationship with Barcelona and his fitness availability for the upcoming campaign. The four candidates listed offer a blend of experience, youth, and versatility potentially suited to lead the team through this transitional phase.
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