Barcelona have just dealt Newcastle United a blow to their reported transfer plans, as the La Liga giants have told Marc-Andre Ter Stegen they will not sanction a move in January.
That’s according to Sport, who note the Blaugrana hierarchy have spoken with Ter Stegen to discuss his future in Catalunya. New boss Xavi Hernandez is loath to lose the German in the mid-season market as he considers the goalkeeper ‘essential’ to his Camp Nou plans.
The Blaugrana leadership and Xavi agree that Ter Stegen will be key to their resurgence on the pitch. Barcelona will host Elche on Saturday sitting just eight in La Liga, having only won six of their 16 games. They also crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage.
Barcelona have thus informed Ter Stegen he will be non-transferable next month, despite their ongoing serious financial troubles. The Camp Nou outfit do not intend to consider his future under any circumstances and anticipate rejecting all offers.
Xavi has given Ter Stegen his utmost support to rediscover the shot-stopper’s best form, as well. Like many in the Barcelona squad, his efforts have declined in recent seasons. But the Blaugrana accept the £141k-a-week goalkeeper is still recovering after knee surgery in May.
Barcelona end Newcastle interest in Ter Stegen transfer?
Barcelona’s stance will likely end Newcastle’s pursuit of Ter Stegen, as the Tyneside natives eye transfers for a new goalkeeper. Sport had reported last month that the Toon made the 29-year-old an offer to help shape their future under the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
But Ter Stegen was not taken by the approach, as he found Newcastle’s lack of a technical leadership structure baffling. He, therefore, did not consider the Magpies’ offer. So, the Blaugrana’s reluctance to sell their €12m (£10m) signing should mark the end of the road.
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