La Liga champions Barcelona are reportedly willing to offload 31-year-old German international Marc-Andre ter Stegen this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, Marc-Andre ter Stegen might not have a long and bright future at FC Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions are open to cashing in on the 31-year-old mainstay in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the long-serving goalkeeping veteran is a target for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad.
The Rise and Rise of Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world since joining Barcelona from Borussia Monchengladbach. A native of Monchengladbach, the German international graduated from the Bundesliga club’s youth division several years ago before becoming one of the best young goalkeeping prospects in the world.
Barcelona snapped him up in July 2014, and he has come leaps and bounds in the last decade. Now in his tenth season with Barcelona, ter Stegen has been a mainstay between the sticks for several seasons. While the 31-year-old has experienced many peaks and troughs, he has remained a constant presence in the goal.
The German goalkeeper, who has 38 international caps, has turned out nearly 400 times thus far for Barcelona, keeping 166 clean sheets while conceding 388 goals. He recently signed a new contract with the Blaugrana, putting pen to paper on a deal running until June 30, 2028. But the veteran shot-stopper faces an uncertain future at the Catalan club.
Barcelona Need to Raise Money
With Barcelona’s never-ending financial issues not disappearing, they need to sell high-value assets to balance the books and fund summer signings. Recent reports have created speculation surrounding Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo, although Deco has quashed suggestions of a sale.
Others, like Raphinha, also face an uncertain future at the Catalan club. But Marc-Andre ter Stegen has also arrived in the rumour mill, with the report claiming Barcelona might entertain the idea of parting ways with the 31-year-old mainstay. Meanwhile, the 38-cap German international is a target for Al-Ittihad.
Recent reports have claimed that Saudi Pro League clubs are keen on signing ter Stegen. With Barcelona contemplating parting ways with the 31-year-old in the summer transfer window, it will be interesting to see how much they can fetch from his sale.
What alternatives does Barcelona have for Ter Stegen?
Will Barcelona find a better goalkeeper than Ter Stegen at the same price?
How will selling Ter Stegen affect team morale?
What message will this move send to the fans?