Marc-Andre ter Stegen gives surprising response to Barcelona renewal talks

BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 02: Marc-André ter Stegen and Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona after the match during the UEFA Champions League group F match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale at Camp Nou on October 02, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 02: Marc-André ter Stegen and Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona after the match during the UEFA Champions League group F match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale at Camp Nou on October 02, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The goalkeeper has responded strangely to Barcelona about his new contract.

The coveted German goalkeeper has been one of the few on Barcelona’s non-transferrable list, but a new deal is yet to be signed with his contract expires in June 2022. When Marc-Andre ter Stegen was recently spotted at the airport, returning from a well-deserved vacation in Ibiza, he replied “we’ll see” when asked about his future.

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The 28-year-old has previously stated his desire to remain at Camp Nou, only if the Spanish giants acknowledge his importance and give him a deal that reflects this. He wants to be included on a pay scale with the likes of Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong. Justifiably so, considering that ever since his arrival in 2014, he has been the first choice for almost every game and has an impeccable record.

The former Borussia Mönchengladbach player had recently conceded that he understands how the club has been hit financially due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and is willing to lower his demands.

However, his demands of a high salary come from his desire for the figures to reflect his value. While he may be the second choice for his German National Team, he has always been the best number 1 for the Catalans, with some incredible saves over the years. In the 234 appearances he has made for Barcelona across all competitions, he has conceded a mere 213 goals and has 100 clean sheets. An admirable record, making him one of the best goalies in the world.

His deal renewal remains a priority for Barca, with Club President, Josep Maria Bartomeu stating,

"Interviewer: Which renovations are a priority?For me, Marc-André ter Stegen’s. Not only for his quality as a goalkeeper but for his personality as a player, his way of being and relating. To be a goalkeeper, he is very young and already in the elite. And at 28 he is one of the three best in the world.Source: Mundo Deportivo"

While Ter Stegen’s reply could come off as strange, it’s understandable due to the skill level he brings to the table, and with giants like Chelsea and Paris  Saint-Germain ready to snap him up, Barcelona will surely try to keep their number 1 in their squad with any means possible.

Do you think Barcelona will be able to keep Ter Stegen?