Barcelona are close to tying up their latest contract renewal, ensuring they have security over arguably their best player last season. According to Sport, a renewal for Marc-Andre ter Stegen is close. The German goalkeeper is now vice-captain at the club and considered one of the leaders and examples for others to follow.
The story broke a little over a week ago that the two parties were in talks over a new deal this summer, and ter Stegen is seemingly open to taking a pay cut along with the deal. The five-year contract may well be the last for the 31-year-old, taking him into the twilight of his career.
🚨 Ter Stegen's renewal until 2028 is IMMINENT. The goalkeeper will defer his salary to help financially in the short term and, in return, the club will reward him with a long-term deal. It should be finalized before the market shuts. @sport 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/EowRQS8Wmf
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 23, 2023
There is little doubt that with a less adept goalkeeper, Barcelona would have struggled to win La Liga last season. Coming up with crucial saves on a weekly basis, on paper this is a solid bit of business from Barcelona. He still has two years remaining left on his deal, but if he reduces his wages, then it is a much less costly endeavour than finding a new goalkeeper.