Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been talking about his completed move to Barcelona.
Toward the end of last year it was being reported that several teams were interested in the services of Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The German international, who has been left out of Jogi Low’s World Cup squad, has officially agreed a deal to become a Barcelona player – joining on a five-year deal for a fee of €12 million.
Barcelona are after a new goalkeeper as long term incumbent Victor Valdes and his back up Jose Manuel Pinto have both left the club this summer upon the expiration of their respective contracts.
For Barcelona it was a big coup, but there is no doubt that Premier League teams would have loved to have the German starlet available for them next season.
However, despite the rumoured interest in his services, it would appear that nobody else ever had a chance of getting hold of him.
Ter Stegen has spoken about the move, and explained that it was never going to be anywhere else but Barcelona for him:
“For me, only Barca came into question – nothing else. That was clear from the beginning. It is a great honor and challenge for me. Barcelona is one of the best clubs in the world and thus provides an opportunity not every day.”
It is certainly a challenge. Barcelona’s goalkeeping role is one of the more difficult in world football. Not only must he act as the last line of defence, but he is also the first line of attack – a role which has proven to difficult for many other suitors in the past.
Ter Stegen has bags of ability, but has flopped on the international stage, and under similar pressure questions will be asked of his temperament in Catalonia.
But he seemingly seems to be in love with his new club already and will be hoping to prove the doubters wrong as soon as possible.
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