?Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is understood to be close to penning a new long-term contract at Camp Nou.
The 27-year-old has proven to be one of the best goalkeepers around since sealing his switch to Barcelona back in 2014, and his good form was rewarded with a lucrative contract extension back in 2017.
He still has two years remaining on his current deal, but ?Sport claim that ?Barcelona are working to tie him down to a better deal as they believe he is one of the most important players in Ernesto Valverde’s team.
?Ter Stegen’s representatives have met with Barcelona chiefs on a number of occasions to discuss terms, with La Blaugrana looking to offer the goalkeeper a deal which would run until 2025 – the longest contract of anyone at the club currently.
The German is thought to be incredibly relaxed about the situation as he wants to remain at Barcelona for the foreseeable future.
Ter Stegen does not expect there to be any issues during negotiations, with his wage demands and potential release clause not thought to pose any problems to Barcelona. Club officials recognise that goalkeepers like Ter Stegen are hard to find, and they are happy to pay to keep him.
In fact, some club officials are said to see him as the ‘?Lionel Messi of goalkeeping’, such is his importance to the side.
They have been delighted with his level of performance and consistency in recent seasons, and they feel that he could be vital to their push for ?Champions League glory this season.
Ter Stegen has made 213 appearances for Barcelona since joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach, keeping 90 clean sheets in all competitions as he has established himself as an elite shot stopper.
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