Newcastle United are reportedly willing to shell out a sum of €55 million for the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the summer.
According to a report from Catalan publication El Nacional, Newcastle United have their sights set on a summer move for Barcelona and Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen with the Tynesiders willing to splash €55 million for the custodian.
Ter Stegen has been with Barcelona since 2014 when he made the switch from Borussia Monchengladbach. Having shared game-time with Claudio Bravo in his first couple of seasons, the 29-year-old became the undisputed first-choice following the Chilean’s departure to Manchester City.
An ever-present in the lineup, ter Stegen has racked up 291 appearances for the Catalan giants, keeping 118 clean sheets in the process. He also has 26 caps for the German international. While he has been one of the best performers for Barcelona in recent seasons, questions have been asked of his form of late, especially after he returned from a knee injury that required surgery.
Even though he continues to be held in the highest of regards within the club, Barcelona president Joan Laporta wouldn’t be opposed to the idea of cashing in on ter Stegen as he is one of the few players in the squad who can fetch a huge transfer fee while getting his wages off the books would also help the Catalans.
Newcastle United have now emerged as a potential suitor for the 29-year-old goalkeeper. The Magpies, following the massive takeover from the Saudi PIF consortium, are looking to add top-quality players to their ranks in the summer, provided they can stave off relegation from the Premier League.
Names such as Adrien Rabiot and Mauro Icardi have been linked recently, with ter Stegen also now emerging as a prospective target for the Tyneside outfit. Newcastle currently have Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman as their choices between the sticks, and each of them are capable options to have.
However, ter Stegen, without a doubt, would be a major upgrade on all three options at Newcastle, with his proven pedigree at the highest level, leadership and winning mentality. To that end, Newcastle are intent on signing him up from Barcelona at the end of the season and are willing to shell out a massive fee of €55 million for his capture.
Such a figure is sure to tempt Barca, given their financial plight. However, convincing ter Stegen to make the switch is a different subject altogether. The German international is happy and settled at Camp Nou and would only consider a move to Germany if he were leaving Camp Nou.
Furthermore, the 29-year-old would want to be playing Champions League football, something that is not possible at St. James’ Park, at least for another year. So, even if Newcastle are willing to take out the chequebook and offer him massive wages, a move would be unlikely, claims the report.
