Barcelona’s defender Gerard Pique has insisted that custodian Marc-Andre ter Stegen won’t be leaving Barcelona for greener pastures in the English Premier League following lack of first team opportunities.
Ter Stegen has grown wary over the lack of first team opportunities, with Barcelona manager Luis Enrique giving him starts only in the domestic cup and Champions League matches.
With Claudio Bravo being the preferred choice in league games, ter Stegen added fuel to transfer speculations when he said that he wasn’t sure what his future was in Spain.
Ter Stegen’s teammate Gerard Pique however believes otherwise. Pique claimed that no one wants to leave a big club like Barcelona and stated that being at the Camp Nou is the greatest happiness for any player.
“Since you’re asking me, Ter Stegen isn’t going. No one wants to leave Barcelona,” the former Manchester United centre-back told Mundo Deportivo.
“We are Barca, and to be at this club is the greatest happiness a player could have. This club, this city, this fan base, we have it all. I’m convinced everyone will stay.”
Ter Stegen has been widely acknowledged as the successor to Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer. And with the German international making some top drawer saves in the Champions League this season, Premier League clubs would be more than willing to acquire his services.
It was reported that Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool were all willing to acquire his services. At Manchester City, ter Stegen will be an apt long term replacement for Joe Hart. And the same goes for Manchester United’s David de Gea, if the United custodian fancies a move to Real Madrid.
Is a move to England likely?
Having made just four appearances in La Liga all season, the last one coming at the end of September, perhaps it is logical to look for greener pastures. A move to England could revive ter Stegen’s career, but it would be naive on Barcelona’s part to let a promising young proven talent go. However, if Luis Enrique fails to assure the 23-year old of first team opportunities, and a Premier League club comes calling, a move to England would seem likely.
