Barcelona’s second-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been heavily linked with Liverpool, but could end up staying at the Nou Camp, with the Catalan club preparing a long-term contract for the German.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is currently Barcelona’s specialist Champions League goalkeeper, while domestic responsibilities have been assigned to his senior teammate Claudio Bravo. This has caused a bit of a rift between the player and the club, as the 23-year-old is hungry for action and understandably wants to play more first-team football.
Ter Stegen set tongues wagging last month when he hinted at a potential move away from the Camp Nou.
“I want to take the next step and to play more. So the situation is clear: If nothing changes, we have to talk,” the German keeper had said last month.
However, Barcelona now seem to have taken note of their young goalkeeper’s frustrations. The La Liga giants are in negotiations with the player and his representatives over a new contract, according to Spanish media outlet Fichajes. The new contract would keep him at the club till 2019, increase his salary to a whopping €3 million a year, and also include an €80 million release clause.
Liverpool and Manchester City waiting to swoop
Although Barcelona officials are trying to placate Ter Stegen by saying that he is seen as the immediate successor to 33-year-old Claudio Bravo, the former Borussia Monchengladbach man will have numerous options should he choose to look for greener pastures.
Liverpool have long been interested in the German keeper, with current shot-stopper Simon Mignolet putting in mediocre performances and attracting heavy criticism. Manager Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of his compatriot, and the Reds had reportedly even made a £10.8 million offer for Ter Stegen in the January transfer window.
Another Premier League club interested in Ter Stegen is Manchester City. Incoming manager Pep Guardiola is believed to be very keen on the 23-year-old and is hoping to get him as a replacement for England No. 1 Joe Hart when he takes over at the Etihad Stadium next season.
