According to SPORT, Newcastle have made a move for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, as Eddie Howe searches for reinforcements.
What’s the story?
Well, this would be a major signing for Newcastle and Amanda Staveley.
SPORT believe the Magpies have submitted a bid for the 29-year-old, who cost Barcelona €12m (£10.1m) back in 2014.
Since then, the 27-cap Germany international has risen to become one of the best goalkeepers on the planet.
That is not just our opinion, but also the opinion of Ter Stegen’s Germany teammate Toni Kroos.
Speaking to Goal, the Real Madrid maestro said: “I like Ter Stegen a lot. Marc is one of the best in the world and without doubt he is the perfect keeper for Barcelona.
“The best thing about Ter Stegen is that he makes very few mistakes. He’s perfect for Barca because he starts moves from the back and there aren’t many keepers who can do that.”
The Mönchengladbach-born glovesman has racked up 292 appearances for Barcelona, winning the Champions League and four La Liga titles along the way.
Ter Stegen has also lifted five Spanish cups, two Spanish Super Cups and one UEFA Super Cup, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup.
Newcastle have a problem in Marc-Andre ter Stegen pursuit
It’s encouraging to see Newcastle make a move for a player of this pedigree, although Staveley and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) have a problem.
SPORT believe Ter Stegen is not interested in a move to St James’ Park, as he’s concerned about the lack of structure at Newcastle.
The Spanish news outlet add that he didn’t even consider the offer, as there is still no ‘technical structure’ on Tyneside.
Clearly, Staveley and PIF need to find a Director of Football to provide this structure as soon as possible, as it’s putting potential targets off a move.
In our view, a Technical Director should’ve been found before Howe, and helped oversee the managerial hunt as well – it’s such an important role.
Even more so in modern football, clubs need a Sporting Director.
Forget Ter Stegen, or any other targets for that matter – before doing anything else, Newcastle need to hire a Director.
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