The 27-year-old Barcelona shot-stopper has emerged as a new target for Chelsea to replace their out-of-favour goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Kepa, currently the world’s most expensive goalkeeper arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2018. Last season he won the Europa League and was a regular no.1 for the Blues but a string of inconsistent performances this term has raised doubts over his career at Stamford Bridge.
Ter Stegen, undoubtedly one of the best keepers around in the game, is reportedly unhappy under their new coach Quique Setien due to his lack of training. He is so disappointed with his squad’s lack of training that he is considering his future elsewhere. He along with Messi has shown concerns over their current boss and in his abilities to manage such a big club like Barcelona. Some of his teammates think that this job might be too big for Quique Setien, an ex-Real Betis manager. A recent 2-0 loss in the El Classico raised more concerns over his coaching style.
The 27-year-old German keeper is the second choice for the national team, Manuel Neuer is the first choice. He has won some major trophies in his Barcelona career already, including the Champions League in 2014/15, four La Liga titles, four Copa del Reys. He has kept only 11 clean sheets in 34 La Liga games this season so far.
Chelsea is one of the clubs that are interested in his signature. It’s a matter of thought that if the blues are going to spend huge money on a Goal Keeper again after their record signing Kepa Arrizabalaga hasn’t yet justified his 71m price tag.
Ter Stegen wants to be one of the top earners at Camp Nou and for that, the contract talks have been stalled so far. Barcelona are currently unable to meet his wage demands. In 2017 he became their number one keeper following the departure of Claudio Bravo to Manchester City and his current contract expires at the end of next season. Barcelona are confident that his 157m pounds release clause is enough to keep him at the club and are expecting to cut down his demands.
Ter Stegen is demanding €15m a year to stay at the club. There is no doubt that he has been one of the reasons for Barcelona’s success in recent years but his wages do not reflect that. He is earning much less than the likes of Luis Suarez, Antonio Greizmann, and of course Lionel Messi. Barcelona has some limitations as well due to their high wage bill and FFP limits. So this could provide a big opportunity for some of the big clubs to come and get his signature. Chelsea might not pay that huge transfer fee as well as Stegen’s huge wage demands and they might keep faith in their young Spanish goalkeeper for another year at least.
Though Arrizabalaga has been better in recent weeks, it is still not clear whether he can be the long-term goalie for the west London outfit. The fans have confidence in him, as he is surely better than Willy Caballero.
