Marc-André ter Stegen (31) is working on his legend status at Barcelona with the contract extension announced on Friday lunchtime. The signing is also expected to have an impact on the current transfer period.
It is quite possible that at the end of Marc-André ter Stegen’s career there will only be two clubs on the national keeper’s CV. The former Gladbach player has extended his contract with FC Barcelona ahead of schedule until 30 June 2028 – including an exit clause of 500 million euros.
The last time he signed his contract was in October 2020, when it ran until the summer of 2025. Talks with the reigning Spanish champions have been ongoing for weeks about a further extension of the contract – after a recent meeting with sporting director Mateu Alemany and his successor Deco, now with “consequences”.
Ter Stegen, with 379 caps for the Blaugrana so far, is setting the course for a potential career end at Barcelona. With an outstanding 2022/23 season, the German national goalkeeper (34 senior internationals) deserved the extension in the opinion of those responsible. His standing within the team is underlined by the fact that ter Stegen was chosen as the new vice-captain behind Sergi Roberto in the team’s internal election before the season.
Two records narrowly missed – desired player Joao Cancelo
In the last championship season ter Stegen excelled, also received the Trofeo Zamora for the first time for the keeper with the fewest goals conceded in La Liga. The historic records for the lowest average of goals conceded and the most white waistcoats in a season were narrowly missed by ter Stegen. In the first two games of the season, he has now once again not conceded a single goal.
The keeper, who is popular with fans and fellow players, is also said to have done the club a big favour by signing his contract, according to information from “Marca”. In his new five-year contract, Ter Stegen is said to forego a lot of money in the first two years – which he would then receive towards the end of the contract term if he fulfils his contract. The reason for this is that the salary cut would give Barça more leeway to sign new players this summer in view of Financial Fair Play.
At the top of the list: Joao Cancelo. The former Bayern loanee is the ideal solution for Barcelona’s problematic position at right back for coach Xavi. An agreement is expected soon.