Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is reportedly close to departing the side in the winter transfer window, with one La Liga club interested. And, he allegedly opted not to pay attention to a Premier League team’s recent advances.
But which Premier League club is believed to be keen to sign the Blaugrana captain?
Barcelona Veteran Ignores Premier League Interest
According to talkSPORT, Premier League club West Ham United were hoping to bolster their chances of avoiding relegation by signing Ter Stegen on loan. However, the Hammers were told that the Barcelona star is currently unwilling to swap Spain for England.
Ter Stegen, 33, is closing in on a temporary move to Girona, neighbours to Barcelona, prior to the end of the January transfer window. He is reportedly ready to give up a hefty portion of his current wage, partially covered by Barcelona, to secure a loan to Girona.
West Ham, on the other hand, has Alphonse Areola and Mads Hermansen as its primary goalkeeping options this season. After summer signing Hermansen failed to impress in the first four league games of the campaign, Areola has been starting for the Hammers.
Ter Stegen, meanwhile, is keen to be the starting goalkeeper for Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. With head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirming that he will not call on squad players, he is hoping to potentially play regularly at Girona this season.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also suggested he is open to allowing Ter Stegen to depart in search of more game time at the club level, lauding the player in the process.
“He is our captain, he is one of the club’s idols, and one of the most important players in recent years. We will accept whatever he decides. He is very experienced and knows what he wants,” the German tactician said in a recent press conference.
Ter Stegen, who left Borussia Monchengladbach to join the Catalans in 2014, has played in 423 matches across all competitions for Barcelona so far. The shot-stopper has also guided his club to 19 trophies, including the Blaugrana‘s last UEFA Champions League in 2015.
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Flick also addressed the future of Rashford, a Manchester United loanee, at the Blaugrana.
“His performance has been very good, but decisions need to be managed. Marcus is a top player, but given our situation… we have to plan for next season, there’s still a lot of time,” Flick replied when asked if Barcelona will trigger Rashford’s $35 million buy clause.
Rashford, 28, has produced seven goals and 11 assists in 28 total games for Barcelona.
