Barcelona provide a positive update on the priority renewal of a key member.
Barcelona have advanced their negotiations with their first choice goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, in the hopes of securing him beyond 2022.
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A non-transferable part of the squad, the German international’s contract was a major priority for the Catalans. Initially feeling underappreciated based on his current contract, Ter Stegen quickly voiced his desire of wanting a more lucrative contract, similar to that of Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong.
The German keeper believes that his current deal with Barca does not reflect his importance, especially after his tremendous performances this season that have saved the club from conceding on numerous occasions.
The former Borussia Mönchengladbach goalie secured a move to Camp Nou back in 2014 and quickly established himself as the undisputed first-choice. Today, Germany’s second choice has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world alongside Jan Oblak and Alisson Becker.
While his current contract runs until 2022 after the renewal just two years ago, Barca have been looking to secure the 28-year-old for longer with hopes of him signing an improved deal to remain with the Catalans until 2025.
The economic crisis which was already haunting Barcelona’s finances was worsened after the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic, which in turn hindered all ongoing negotiations with the keeper. Ter Stegen desired a salary that reflected his value but is now more understanding of the club’s financial status, and is willing to reduce his demands.
The Barca no.1 understands the financial hardship has forced the board to focus their available funds on more urgent matters such as payment of staff and balancing their books for the year. Meanwhile, both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are closely monitoring the situation with the Premier League giants looking to secure the German to replace their current struggling keeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga.
How valuable is Ter Stegen for Barca?