According to a recent report by Sport, Barcelona are keen to offer Marc-André ter Stegen a new contract and remain confident about their chances of retaining the German keeper’s services until the summer of 2024. The same source has also revealed that the Catalans want to keep him at the Nou Camp for years to come with the player also making it clear that he fancies staying at the club.
Ter Stegen’s Magnificent Career In Spanish Football
The German shot-stopper has performed at a high level in goal for the Catalans this season after he put in a string of outstanding performances in the Spanish top-flight. He has secured ten clean sheets and shipped in 34 goals in 34 matches for Barca this term across multiple competitions. The goalie’s stats prove that he is currently an invaluable member of Quique Setien’s first-team and the Spanish manager cannot afford to let him leave, especially when a top club like Chelsea are looking to recruit him this summer.
The Monchengladbach-born talent has a pass success rate of 85.5% in the La Liga and is also averaging 0.7 clearances in every 90 minutes of league football this season (stats via whoscored). His goal-keeping contributions have helped Barca climb back to the top of the La Liga table.
Ter Stegen also has his fair share of experience with the German national team, having represented them in 27 international matches while conceding 25 goals and earning nine clean sheets in the process. The 27-year-old is expected to play a pivotal role for his country when the UEFA Euro 2020 kicks off in the off-season.
What Does The Ex-Bundesliga Custodian Bring To The Table?
Ter Stegen is good with his feet and can pass the ball accurately out from the back. He can also scan the danger quickly and is not afraid of coming out of his penalty area to make some well-timed clearances. The former Borussia Monchengladbach player boasts quick reflexes that allow him to make several crucial stops for his side.
Barca Eager To Tie Ter Stegen Down To A New Deal: Good Move For Both Parties?
Hence, it is a no-brainer for the Catalans to tie the German keeper down to a new contract. Ter Stegen has continued to prove his worth wearing a Barcelona shirt over the past 18 months, so he deserves a pay hike at this stage of his playing career. The German international has built up a good understanding with the likes of Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti as part of the Barca backline. Therefore, losing him could disrupt the chemistry of Setien’s squad.
If ter Stegen decides to commit his long-term future to the Catalans, then it could end up being a decent move for everyone involved. With Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Arturo Vidal, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique all edging towards the end of their respective careers, Setien would be wise to retain the services of a world-class keeper like ter Stegen for the long-run. The German goalie could help the La Liga champions make a smooth transition when their senior players eventually end up hanging up their boots in the future.
