According to reports from Diario Sport as cited by Daily Mail, Bayern Munich are plotting to move in for Barcelona’s goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The 27-year old’s contract talks with Barcelona have stalled, and Bayern are looking to take advantage of that. The German heavyweights meanwhile are in a similar boat themselves as they have shelved talks with Manuel Neuer over a new contract.
Barcelona insists that Ter Stegen would sign a new deal, but they also need to raise money to bring in Neymar. Bayern Munich are preparing a £90m bid for the German goalkeeper. Barcelona could stand to make a massive profit on him as the Catalan giants signed him for just £10.7m in 2014 from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Why are Bayern Munich a threat?
Given that Ter Stegen is German, the lure to play for Bayern Munich could be tough to ignore. Good performances for Munich would ensure him a regular first-team place in the German national team as well. Ter Stegen is still not a nailed-on starter for Germany as he has featured just 24 times for them in his career.
Why does Barcelona need to keep him at all cost?
Ter Stegen still has his contract with Barcelona until 2022. However, there is no doubt in our mind that the Catalan giants should look to extend his stay further. The 27-year-old is arguably one of the best in the world right now in his position and Barcelona shouldn’t allow him to leave in the summer even for a hefty price tag of £90m which would be a world-record fee for a goalkeeper.
The German international is still 27, which is a ripe age for a goalkeeper, and if he maintains his performance and fitness level, then he can easily play for 7-8 more years at the top level. Ter Stegen has everything to his game which a modern-day goalkeeper needs and replacing him would be tough for any side in the world.
Barcelona doesn’t need to break the spine of their side to finance a move for Neymar, and if they think that selling Ter Stegen to balance the books would be the right way, then they are making a big mistake. The German international has often been the saviour for Barcelona when they have looked vulnerable defensively in the last few years.
He does the job of a sweeper-keeper well and is one of the best with the ball at his feet. His reflexes and shot-stopping skills are top-notch. Hence, the Catalan giants should do everything in their means to extend the 27-year-old’s stay. £90m is undoubtedly a significant fee, but even with all that money, it would be tough for Barcelona to find a replacement of his quality.
