Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has signed a new five-year contract with a €500 million release clause.
Ter Stegen has been a stalwart of the Catalan club since joining them from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014.
After suffering a dip in form he bounced back last season, keeping 26 clean sheets in 38 La Liga outings. He conceded just 18 goals.
Ter Stegen has started the new season well, keeping two shut-outs in the defence of their La Liga title.
He has made 379 appearances since making his debut in September 2014. He is fourth on the club’s all-time goalkeeper appearance list.
He will likely surpass Andoni Zubizarreta, who is on 410. He could also overtake record holder Victor Valdes (510).
Ter Stegen has an enviable list of honours, winning five league titles, five Copas del Rey trophies, one Champions League, three Spanish Super Cups, one UEFA Super Cup and one Club World Cup.
His previous contract had two years left on it, but they agreed to renew it so he could defer his wages, allowing Barca to sign and register new players, per ESPN.
One player they will be keen to register is incoming signing Joao Cancelo. The Manchester City full-back will join the Catalans on loan for the season after falling out with Pep Guardiola.
Cancelo is another player who will command massive wages, putting further pressure on Barcelona’s already dire finances.
He will likely thrive in Barcelona with manager Xavi Hernandez introducing a new three-at-the-back formation this season that requires marauding wing-backs.
Barcelona already possess one of the most exciting full-backs down the left flank in Alejandro Balde and will add one of the best on the right in Cancelo.
